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BBB of Metropolitan New York is warning consumers to exercise caution when ordering items from a White Plains-based online business due to a pattern of consumer complaints alleging billing and delivery issues.
The business, Big Apple Collectibles, has an F rating with the Metro New York BBB [as of the date of this release] and has received 297 complaints in the last three years. 144 of those complaints—almost half—were closed in the past 12 months.
On its website, Big Apple Collectibles advertises clothing, trading cards, and figurines of characters from popular franchises like Marvel, Pokémon, and Star Wars.
“When shopping for collectible or other items online - people expect that a product will arrive exactly as advertised,” says Claire Rosenzweig, President & CEO of the Metro New York BBB. “However, check to be sure you are ordering from a reliable retailer, see what others’ experiences have been and know the terms and conditions before you make the purchase.”
In complaints filed with the Metro New York BBB, consumers claim that after purchasing and paying for merchandise from Big Apple Collectibles, the company continually delayed the expected delivery date. In some instances, consumers who became frustrated and requested refunds from the company were instead given store credit.
According to a review of consumer complaints toward Big Apple Collectibles, conducted by the Metro New York BBB in August 2022, “many complainants say they are unable to get a response from the company on a firm date for delivery or to their requests for a refund.” Consumers can read BBB's full review on the company’s BBB Business Profile under the “Pattern of Complaints” header.
Last year, Online Retailer and Internet Sales and Services represented the Metro New York BBB’s third most complained-about business category, with 5,576 total complaints in 2021. In addition, that year, online purchase scams were the Metro New York BBB’s most reported scam category via BBB Scam Tracker, a program where users can view and report consumer fraud.
Consumers can visit BBB.org to read and submit business complaints and reviews, or to find additional marketplace tips.
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