Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/28/2024

  Type:Delivery Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  This business falsely advertised on its website that gifts ordered by a certain date would be delivered before Christmas.We placed an order 9 days before Christmas and the gift was never delivered. The business then promised to send a replacement by overnight delivery.That was not delivered either.They take money from customers by making false pretenses and dont deliver. We expect a full refund and also a gift to be sent to the intended recipient fully paid by the vendor with an apology. It is very disappointing for us that something we ordered to be delivered to someone was never delivered!!!!

  

  Business Response

  Date: 12/30/2024

  We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. 

  The gift that shipped on 12/16 appears to be lost in transit according to *** (tracking #1Z19A2R70391339641). A refund was issued and another order was shipped for Saturday delivery on 12/27 (tracking #1Z19A2R74495415304). This order was loaded on the *** truck on Saturday but was never delivered; it is out for delivery today 12/30.  A full refund was issued for this order.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/21/2024

  Type:Delivery Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I was gifted a Wine and Country basket for the holiday season. It was beautifully packed. Only problem is the items were expired! The basket expiration date located on the outside of the package read 2/5/2025. All items inside the basket were expired with the exemption of a jar of olives. This basket was completely sealed with a white zip tie and a bow. The expiration dates went as far back as May of 2024. The basket included lots of cracker's, sweet treats and worst of all curdled Gouda cheese. Im writing this complaint on 12/21/24 the day I received the gift. I called the company but because I was gifted the basket and had no tracking number or account number they were unwilling to stand by their 100% satisfaction guarantee. Furthermore, I was hung up on by one of the representatives and when I called back immediately I was told she went to break. After searching online for the basket I noticed it cost $79.00 on sale. In conclusion, regardless of it being a gift- the company should stand behind their products. I also offered to send photos of the basket to include labels and expired dates and the company representatives declined. Please see photos attached that show expired dates and products.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 12/23/2024

  Apologies for this inconvenience. 

  This gift appears to have been purchased at a retail location.  We have no record of it because it was not sold by Wine Country Gift Baskets.  We contacted ******* ***** and are sending a similar gift baskets.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/26/2024

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.  I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.
  
  Regards,
  
  ******* *****
  
   
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/18/2024

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I tried to get employment with houdini gift baskets and they denied me work because I didn't meet 1 hour of overtime requirement. I know they hire illegal immigrants with illegal, often fake documentation to work for them. They hire a outside temporary agency to hire illegal immigrants without a work permit.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/22/2024

  Houdini complies with all State and Federal laws in its hiring procedures, including taking required steps to verify that hired employees are authorized to work in the **************  Houdini is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles, including braids, locks, and twists), ethnicity, religion,religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), color, *** (including childbirth, breast feeding, and related medical conditions), gender,gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry,citizenship status, uniform service member and veteran status, marital status,pregnancy, age (40 and over), protected medical condition (including cancer and genetic conditions), genetic information, disability, (mental and physical),reproductive health decision making, medical leave or other types of protected leave (requesting or approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act or the California Family Rights Act), domestic violence victim status,political affiliation, use of cannabis off the job and away from the workplace,or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state,and local laws.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/29/2023

  Type:Delivery Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  This incident has just occurred - November 29, 2023, however it appears the business is not allowing contact. I've tried multiple times to send an email and the company has a "code" to enter (like the codes to verify you aren't a computer), however every time I submit the complaint and then type the code it gives a message that the code is invalid. I placed an order and was offered another item at a discounted price. That price showed on the itemized "cart" at the discounted price and discounted shipping price. When I put all the information into the system and pressed the "order" button I received a confirmation of the order - at a much higher price and then saw the "discounted" item was at full price with regular shipping charge. Seems a very typical "bait and switch" scheme. I've ordered from this company before, but not had any issues. I'd like to deal with the company about it, but no way to contact them (this is outside business hours, but I'm expecting when I try to call I won't get anyone to answer). All in all I feel this is really bad business from many standpoints.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/11/2023

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.  I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.
  
  Regards,
  
  *************************
  
   
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/01/2023

  Type:Delivery Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  7/24/23 H4715203 Supposed to be delivered on 7/28/23, but was delivered on 7/31/23 by *** (Also sat outside in 110 degree weather)My son got food poisoning from a fruit basket that was delivered to us a few days late. It was also in a hot warehouse for that time and was delivered with nothing protecting the fruit. My son was the only one who ate the fruit. We have been in contact with *********************************** who sent our documentation to their claims department ********************* where a lady by the name of ********************* helped us and said there was nothing they can do. We have $22,484.55 of medical bills due now because of this company. We need this taken care of and they need to be held acountable. We have the documentation to prove it and its even in the doctors notes. All I want them to is cover the medical costs endured and the 5 days of work my wife and I missed ($4,947.82) and we can be done. I have never done something like this before, but I am frustrated with the lack of care and sympathy both Wine Country gift baskets has and travelers insurance. In all we are out $27,432.37 because of Wine Country gift baskets and the lack of care and responsibility they put in their products. *****'s reasoning "Well there were other gift baskets delivered at that time and we don't believe anyone else got sick". Below is what food poisoning and listeria is according to the **** He had all these and was diagnosed with it. What is listeria?According to the **** listeria is an organism which can cause serious or fatal infections in children, the elderly, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy people can also suffer short-term symptoms including high fever, severe headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea,

  

  Business Response

  Date: 12/14/2023

  As **************** mentions in his statement, Wine Country Gift Baskets insurance company, Travelers, is dealing directly with him on this matter. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/14/2023

  The order for WCGB was intended to be delivered on Friday, but was held for unknown reasons to ** in a hot warehouse/truck over the weekend (keep in mind, this is ***** in the hottest part of summertime), not delivered until Monday.  At that, we did not know it was sitting in the hot sun on our front porch all day because the delivery driver did not ring the bell or knock.  It was a gift that we did not know was being delivered...to be on the lookout for. All this to say, fresh fruit can and does ripen and spoil rapidly when in an extreme heat environment. In fact, the apples that were part of this basket were trashed immediately because they had completely rotted by the time we opened that box. The pears and oranges with those apples "seemed" okay, but when eaten just a few days later, immediate illness ensued. Again, discussing this with medical professionals, they agree that this type of spoiled fruit, that can and does spoil quickly in extreme heat, does oftentimes cause food poisoning. Being that our son is the sole consumer of this fruit, and this fruit is the only thing he ate that we did not consume as well, the link between this and his food poisoning case is unmistakable. I can see it now - you guys defer blame to the shipping company...well, that would be as unacceptable and absurd as what you've already come back with. WCGB assumes responsibility for their product, regardless. They made the choice/contract to use the shipping company that *** be at fault and they need to be held liable. In fact, every handler in the chain of custody can and *** be liable. It really is quite silly that this is not a cut and dry situation on your part. 
  
  
  
  
  

  

  Business Response

  Date: 12/20/2023

  As already mentioned, Wine Country Gift Baskets insurance company, Travelers, is dealing directly with **************** on this matter so we are unable to comment on it.  A thorough investigation was completed by both Wine Country Gift Baskets and ******************** including review by their onsite medical staff.  **************** already has all the information he needs from us and has been dealing directly with Travelers, which is how this issue will be resolved. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/21/2023

  Upon discussing this with several attorneys, we have been told that insurance companies try to weasel out of taking responsibility by "outlasting" the plaintiffs by withholding any settlement, knowing that most people will back off.  I assure you that we will not.  In talking to these attorneys, every single one has agreed to take our case if we end up having to take you to court - based on the evidence we've provided them, along with the evidence that WCGB has probably not provided you, we have substantial proof to support our claim/case.  ******* who works for WCGB and ****** who works for travelers have not been helpful at all.  This will end up being a legal battle.  We have been in contact with *** and *** and we are actually getting the opportunity to share our story and share what the medical professionals shared with us.  We are excited about this opportunity as neither party seemed to really care, as they said "Well no one else had any complaints or got sick, so its really no big deal."  They are heaartless individuals, but at least we can get the word spread on their horrible company.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/30/2023

  Type:Delivery Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Order Placed: April 10, 2023 ********** order number: 111-9896119-4848204 Items OrderedPrice $59.95 1 of: Wine Country Gift Baskets The Connoisseur Gourmet Gift Basket Sold by: ********** Services LLC False advertisement, bait & switch. Not as pictured, I only received 14 items, not 18 items & only 3 items were received as advertised in their description on Amazons website (see att photo, previously submitted), They advertised name brands (Ghirardelli, Godiva, ******) but substituted with no name brands.5/27 1:28pm spoke to ******** states contact Amazon after Amazon shifted responsibility.Per Wine Country We guarantee your satisfaction. If you or your recipients are not 100% satisfied, ********** us know and will make it right!I let them know before & Im letting them know again to make it right!

  

  Business Response

  Date: 12/14/2023

  Sorry for your inconvenience.  We have a 100%satisfaction guarantee however we are unable to refund or adjust this billing since your order was placed with Amazon.  We can send you a similar gift basket if youd like.  Please let us know.