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Business Profile

Lawn and Garden

Central Garden & Pet Company

Headquarters

This business is NOT BBB Accredited.

Find BBB Accredited Businesses in Lawn and Garden.

Complaints

This profile includes complaints for Central Garden & Pet Company's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see

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Central Garden & Pet Company has 9 locations, listed below.

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    Customer Complaints Summary

    • 7 total complaints in the last 3 years.
    • 3 complaints closed in the last 12 months.

    If you've experienced an issue

    Submit a Complaint

    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.

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    Complaint status

    Complaint type

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:09/03/2024

      Type:Product 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 am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding its GardenTech product "***** Insect Killer Ready To Spray," which I purchased from *********** The product was advertised with a 100% guarantee or your money back claim, assuring customers of its efficacy as an insecticide. However, my experience with the product has been entirely unsatisfactory and the company's subsequent lack of response has compounded my frustration.I carefully followed the instructions provided but observed no discernible impact on the white fly infestation. In fact, the pest problem persisted as if no treatment had been applied. Given the advertised guarantee, I expected the company to stand behind its product and provide a refund as stated.Since discovering the product's ineffectiveness, I have made several attempts to contact the company directly to request a refund. Despite repeated outreach, including emails and online contact us forms, I have not received any acknowledgment or response. This complete disregard for customer communication and failure to honor an explicit guarantee is not only disappointing but also constitutes a breach of consumer trust and points to potentially deceptive business practices.Under consumer protection laws, companies are obligated to fulfill their advertised promises, especially when such promises are a key factor in the consumers purchasing decision. By refusing to engage with my refund request or address the ineffectiveness of their product, the company appears to be violating these fundamental consumer rights. This lack of accountability undermines the integrity of their guarantee and misleads customers into making purchases based on false assurances.I expect a full refund in accordance with their advertised guarantee. I also urge the company to review their customer service protocols to ensure compliance with consumer protection standards. I anticipate timely attention to this matter and I look forward to a swift resolution.

      Business Response

      Date: 09/12/2024

      Hello,

      We are sorry to hear about ******* experience with ***** Ready-to-Spray. It is labeled to kill whiteflies and we would have expected to be effective as long as it is applied according the directions on the label. We have processed a refund for her purchase and will have that mailed out to her immediately.

      We have also checked our online contact forms and while they appear to be working now we apologize to ****** for any inconvenience caused by not being able to reach us. Our customer support team is also available to by phone by calling ************. We are glad to help with any questions she may have.

      Thank you,

      Gardentech Customer Support

      Customer Answer

      Date: 09/19/2024

      Dear Better Business Bureau:

      I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. I have received a reimbursement check in the mail as promised. I genuinely appreciate this business's prompt attention and customer-oriented resolution to this matter.

      Sincerely,

      ***************************
    • Initial Complaint

      Date:07/30/2024

      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.
      central garden and pet will not fill out paperwork from food stamp office which caused me to be denied on getting help. i was fired on 6/27/2024 and central garden received the paper on july 18th

      Business Response

      Date: 08/01/2024

      Thank you for bringing this to our attention.  ********'s income verification information has been faxed the Cullman ***************** of *************** as of this morning, August 1, 2024.  We are sending the originals overnight to her attention.  
    • Initial Complaint

      Date:05/10/2023

      Type:Product 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.
      On On May 8th I purchased a box of ******* Slug and Snail Killer with the knowledge that my kids and pets would be safe from harm because of a statement on the box. I applied the product to my garden beds at about 12:30 in the afternoon and went about my day. I do NOT use known toxins in my yard because pets and kids. Our 10 month old puppy, ***** has full access to the yard and likes to sniff around and scratch at the earth. At approximately 7pm Ziggy woke from a nap crying in pain, was crunched up like and accordion, had significant tremors and couldn't walk. When she tried to take a step after much coaxing she would try to step and would tremble more and become off balance. We took her to ********* Veterinary Specialists, ******************************* was treated for symptoms of poisoning and an ASPCA Animal ********************* case was opened. The case number is *********.***** was hospitalized and treated and will return for the next few days for vitals and bloodwork. She is expected to recover.

      Business Response

      Date: 05/12/2023

      We are sorry to hear about the incident you experienced after using our *********** & Snail Killer. Many of ** at Central Garden and Pet are pet owners ourselves and we understand what they mean to you and your family.

      When used as directed, this product will not harm pets.  As with any pesticide it is very important to read and follow all package directions. Per the instructions on the package, this product should be applied at a rate of teaspoon per square yard. Consistent with the storage directions on the package, the unused portion should always be stored out of reach of children and pets.

      While we stand by the product, we are absolutely committed to consumer satisfaction.

      We are reaching out to check on Ziggy and will cover the veterinary expenses incurred. 


      Customer Answer

      Date: 05/15/2023

      Better Business Bureau:

      I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

      Sincerely,

      ***********************
    • Initial Complaint

      Date:02/21/2023

      Type:Service or Repair 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.
      August 2022 I purchased 4 Rebel's brand fescue grass seed from Lowes Home Imp. Central G&P is the manufacturer .I shared photos of my disappointment of their product not being of the same. Be it mixture of mismarked product but my history of their product is not the same. I provided the lot # off the bags and was offered 50% refund because I didn't have the receipt. Which I purchased with gift cards and didn't retain a receipt. Central believes I can obtain a receipt. I'm not sure how that is feasible without a reference beyond product codes.When I disputed the 50% offer, I was told it was a good will gesture. Which I think is horrible considering the seed cost is only a fraction of the costs. This "other" grass is taller, lighter with a different density than the surrounding illustration of the results from previous seeding of the same seed. I have to kill this grass, till or rack the soil, reseed, fertilize, straw which all takes time and money then pay to water to have it regrow with ONLY the hope this doesn't happen again!The cost is $99.99 per 40# bag plus 7% taxes. I have spent thousands of dollars on my fescue yard in ** and I am beyond embarrassed with these results. This is just as much about product consistency and guarantee to stand behind their product. Central has done nothing but believe someone is looking to get one over on them. I work too many hours and don't waste my time on the *****. This is NOT ***** to me! My lawn represents my homeownership; which is something not may people concern themselves with any more. Attached is just a photo of what my lawn DID look like and what it currently looks like. I have more disgusting photos of how my lawn! Horrific! I wonder if one of their board of directors had this mess, how well would they appreciate no resolve and lack of responsibility they want to accept.

      Business Response

      Date: 02/23/2023

      Our Rebel Warranty: THE REBEL GUARANTEE
      If you,the consumer, are not satisfied with this product after use in accordance with package instructions, you may be eligible for a refund. Send original receipt,empty packaging and a brief explanation within sixty days of purchase. Upon verification, we will send you a refund check for the purchase price.


      *************** had a complaint on the same product in 2021. He was then advised as to what documents were needed in order for us to review for a refund. This information is clearly stated in our warranty as you can see from the above. He chose to purchase the same product again in 2022.

      We sent the Lot # from the seed tag he furnished to our certified seed lab to be retested. The retest result was as labeled. I sent *************** the response I received from the seed lab. *************** is upset because he did not get the same mix that he had used in previous years. He expected and wanted the same mix. There is no way we can guarantee the varieties will be the same as there may be crop failures that wipe out an entire field. Over the last 2-3 years due to economic issues, there have been fewer growers. The name remains the same but  comparable varieties may need to substituted.

      We tried to explain to *************** that the grass he doesnt want growing in his lawn did not come from our seed. Stray seed can remain in the soil for years before it is given the perfect conditions to burst forth;proper nutrients, sunlight and water. It is our belief this is what occurred.Wind, rain and foot traffic can also deposit stray seed.

      Seed analysis tags are on each of our seed products to inform the consumer of the bag contents. The ********** of *********** regulates the seed industry, so this information must be explicit.

      Our seed is guaranteed to grow which his did. We do stand behind our products when the consumer reads the warranty and provides us with the listed documentation. The seed analysis tag lists the specific varieties and percentages of seed which may vary from blending to blending for the reasons previously listed above.

      Our offer of fifty percent (50%) is still on the table.

       

      ***************************
      Manager
      Consumer Care Team
      ********** Seed
      **************

      Customer Answer

      Date: 02/23/2023

      Better Business Bureau:


      I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.  However, I am going to convey that I really don't find it to be truth.  I have used their product for years and NEVER had an issue like this until 2021 and 2022.  They never heard of me before until my dismay!  I've been buying Rebels since I moved to this new build/lawn in 2010!!  I see many of lawns that don't have this ***** podge result and the onlly way they retain a very manicured lawn is by reseeding.

      That said, on 2/7/23 I conceded to this business' offer of 50% and asked how we were to proceed.  I had to follow up on 2/19/23.  ONLY then did they confirm the lot results were Rebel: DUH?  I know what I bought and what I sent to prove my purchase.  And I explained I had no receipt because I purchased with gift cards.   At NO TIME since 2/7 when I agreed to the 50% offer has the business advised their offer remained on the table.  My conclusion was that it was rescinded.  What would an average person believe?  I have the emails and can prove the business NEVER responded confirming they would stand by the 50% offer.  Hence, the reason I as a consumer paying their salary is spending my valuable time trying my hardest to get justice to this EXTREMELY poor excuse of seed variance.  This business was negligent.  Only when I advised I was filing a complaint with the BBB did I hear from the business claiming this seed variance was a just cause.    

      Their tag clearly offers the variety and red creeping tall fescue is NOT on this list of three.  

      I would respectfully appreciate confirmation the business will be disbursing payment to my mailing address:

      3838 ********

      ****** **  27350


      Sincerely,

      ***************************

      Business Response

      Date: 02/24/2023

      A 50% refund has been approved to be sent to the consumer.

      Thank you,

      ***********************

      Customer Answer

      Date: 02/27/2023

      Better Business Bureau:

      I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

      Sincerely,

      ***************************
    • Initial Complaint

      Date:10/18/2022

      Type:Service or Repair 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.
      In July **** me and my wife ******* been shopping in ******* (in *****- **) for various grocery item. Since we have two German ******** Dog we also bought for the first time the ***** Plus, *********** shampoo. In July 24th we gave to the dogs the bath and from there a BIG problems start for the wound in their skin with big irritation and itching and suffering situation. We take them to the VET, first the female (*********), in 8/13/2022, then the male ***** in 10/7/2022. *********, the female, needed sedation to allow the Vet to treat the wound. in one of the pictures attached you can see the Shampoo bottle we used. We would like to be reimbursed for those Vet expensive.

      Business Response

      Date: 10/31/2022

      Good Afternoon,

      We are very sorry to learn of the experience you had with the ***** F & T Shampoo.  All inquiries and concerns are taken extremely seriously and we encourage you to contact our customer support team to discuss the situation further.  Our representatives can be reached at **************.

       

      Sincerely,

       

      ******

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