(Getty Images)
Consumers across the United States have contacted Better Business Bureau® Serving Greater Cleveland (BBB®) after attempting to purchase assorted household goods from a company named “Beauty Suppliers.” Beauty Suppliers claims to be headquartered locally in Cleveland. In October 2023, consumers started filing complaints against the business. These consumers have claimed that they paid for, but never received, items ranging from spiced tea mix to deodorant to car tires. Furthermore, consumers allege the company provides fake tracking numbers and charges ambiguous purchase fees. Consumers who have attempted to contact the company through phone and email say the company is unresponsive.
A New York consumer told BBB she placed an order “that never came, and had no receipt and no order confirmation.” She stated “The PayPal account comes up as Tran Quang Huy after you pay for goods. It does not come up as Beauty Suppliers.” The consumer also alleges that the FedEx tracking numbers Beauty Suppliers provides are actually “FedEx tracking numbers for packages going to (other consumers in) your town.” The consumer stated she believes the company “supplies that to you so when you check tracking you see the package is en route to your town since FedEx’s tracking doesn't show street address. So three days later the original package with your tracking number gets delivered to someone in your town as it was supposed to and it shows as if you received it until you call FedEx and ask them for the actual address it was delivered to. In my case, it was the local Sheriff's department.”
Another consumer from Florida told BBB about her experience with the company. She said “I placed an order from a company identified as Beautysuppliers.org on March 20th, 2024. After not receiving an order confirmation I sent the company a message requesting an order and confirmation number. No response was received. I questioned it a second time and received a tracking number with a photo from FedEx. The photo is not of my doorstep and the box looks like an Amazon package. I did not order through Amazon. I then looked at past customer reviews and checked Trustpilot.com, each person said this was a scam company. I should have done that first. PayPal worked my dispute and said the company provided proof of delivery and they are letting the charge stand. Again, it appears that the company is using bogus tracking numbers and photos so that they can keep consumers money. The consumer then has the responsibility of trying to prove that they did not get the package, which is a pain. This company should not be able to do business.”
On May 2nd, 2024, BBB submitted a written request to the company, encouraging them to address the pattern of complaints. As of June 11th, BBB has not heard back from the company. Beauty Suppliers previously responded to BBB’s emailed request for information with an automated message listing “Adam Hudson” as a contact person for this company. However, BBB staffers have not been able to obtain more information on “Adam Hudson.” The company’s address corresponds to a private residence. No Ohio Secretary of State listing could be found and an "WhoIs" search of the company's website reveals that the contact information for the company is hidden behind a privacy guard service. Phone calls to the company’s number are answered with a recorded “Hello?” then silence. Based on this and other information, BBB cannot confirm the legitimacy or physical location of Beauty Suppliers and is warning consumers to be cautious when dealing with any online company whose physical presence cannot be verified.
BBB Cleveland provides the following tips for consumers to consider when shopping online and in-store.
- Research the company before you buy. Check BBB.org and other online sources for complaints and reviews.
- Look for the BBB Seal. When shopping online, look for the BBB Seal, the Sign of a Better Business. If a business has a BBB Accreditation, it shows consumers that it prioritizes trust in the marketplace and adds a layer of confidence and peace of mind for buyers. Verify the business is BBB Accredited by searching it at BBB.org. Unreputable businesses have been known to use the BBB seal without authorization.
- Be a savvy shopper. When shopping online, take your time and read the fine print before submitting your order. Look for the return policy. While many online orders can be returned for a full refund, others have restocking fees. Some items cannot be returned. Protect personal information. Read a site’s privacy policy and understand how your personal information will be used.
- Think before you click. Be especially cautious about email solicitations and online ads on social media sites. Many sketchy retailers advertise great deals or trendy clothing that doesn’t match the promotional hype.
- Shop with a credit card. Credit cards provide additional protection against unauthorized charges or problematic purchases. In most cases, debit cards, prepaid cards, payment apps, or gift cards don’t have this same protection.
- Keep documentation of your order. Save a copy of the confirmation page or email confirmation until you receive the item and are satisfied. Also, print the return policy.
- Consumers can file a complaint at BBB.org/Complaint. If individuals have spotted a scam (whether or not they’ve lost money), they can report it to BBB.org/ScamTracker.