Complaints

This profile includes complaints for Garden Bros Circus's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see Find Local Branches.

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• 

  Garden Bros Circus

  2187 Siesta Dr Sarasota, FL 34239-5235

• 

  Garden Brothers Circus

  1700 TX 36 Abilene, TX 79602

• 

  Garden Brothers Circus

  1700 TX 36 Abilene, TX 79602

• 

  Garden Brothers Circus

  1700 TX 36 Abilene, TX 79602

• 

  Garden Bros Circus

  32 S Palm Ave STE 1 Sarasota, FL 34236-5609

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:10/14/2024

  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.

  We bought tickets for our visiting family on 10/5/2024 (5 adult tickets @$315) and our young child. They drove 3 hrs to see us and attend the circus.The tickets said the tent would be climate ************* was so hot inside the tent that we could not stay inside and see the event due to the excessive heat and concern for our young child and elderly family ********** was 80 degrees in ******* and was easily 90+ degrees inside the tent.We wish to be refunded for our tickets ($315) as we were unable to stay and attend the event in the extreme temperatures inside.We submitted a refund request to the box office and was handed a flyer with an email address. We emailed the company and have not received any communication from them.

  Business Response

  Date: 10/28/2024

  Good Afternoon,

  Our tent is climate controlled and we do our best to maintain that while the weather conditions on the outside can make it a bit tricky for us in doing so. In our system it looks like you have been taken care of, please let me know if that is the case or not! :)
  
  
  Best Regards,

  Garden Bros Nuclear Circus

  Customer Answer

  Date: 10/28/2024

   
  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. The company gave us 50% back.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******* *******

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/15/2024

  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 purchased a ticket from Groupon for a family to pack and online fit. Said also it was for 2 free children. So it was like a family 4 pack while just checking online. I had also noticed that it states for the company's information that children under the age of 13 get in free anyway. My mom had received 2 tickets also from her work for free. Well, we went to the event just myself. And my son to they were charging $63 for adults and $30 for children under up to the age of 13, which is fraud because their website clearly states that anybody under the age of 13 is free. And then the ticket that I had purchased through Groupon. They told me that they were sold out and that there was nothing. I could do after driving 45 minutes to see the show. So now I'm waiting for a refund. That'll take up to 14 business days through Groupon. Because there's nothing I can do about seeing the show. Because they're not honoring the voucher that I purchased through groupon nor are they selling anymore tickets they say. The phone number online is no longer active. This seems like a scam.

  Business Response

  Date: 07/16/2024

  Good Morning,

  Groupon as you're aware are a 3rd party site whom sell our tickets at their own super affordable rate. With General Admission which is advertised everywhere, is first come first served basis. Seats are not guaranteed as to why we always always suggest upgrading to premium or VIP which is assigned guaranteed seating. The free tickets that your mother received as you mentioned, is free for children between the ages of 3-13 PER paid adult ticket, which is included in the fine lining of all advertisement, that voucher included. As you mentioned you were aware of the free children discount per adult ticket, with Groupon they sell the family 4 pack for 2 adults and 2 children at that affordable right as apart of their deal. Yes, children get in for free with our purchases however, Groupon decided to include that cheap rate at your disposal as is, totaling the amount of 1 adult ticket on our website. There is nothing fraudulent occurring as Im sure after 20+ years of operation our show would be shut down by now. With anything their is always fine lining, we have nothing to lie nor be fraudulent about. Our phone number is active and is also all over our website ***************************************, and our number is as followed ************. 

   

  Best Regards,

  Customer Service

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/09/2024

  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.

  This company is the biggest scam!! On Sunday July 7, 2024, I had the so called "free tickets" to attend the circus. These tickets are nothing more than a bait and switch scam. I had already paid $20 to park my car, and when I got to the gate to give my tickets, they showed me in small print, which was not worded properly to fully understand, that you need to purchase an adult ticket to use the "free ticket". The ticket says "free" in big bold letters, but the rules are small fine print, that you really can't understand. When I went over to the window to purchase a ticket, the price was $63 per adult. Then I was told that they were sold out of general admissions tickets, and I would have to purchase a VIP ticket, which was $20 extra, and a child's VIP ticket was an additional $10. So the "free ticket" wasn't free at all. I most certainly was not paying $80 to sit in a tent! Then the ticket also said at the bottom that the first 100 people to pay online would only be charged $14, so I went to the parking lot and attempted to buy tickets online. Of course, the $14 tickets were sold out, and the online price was $50. That's four different prices listed, so are they just charging what they feel like it. At this point, I just wanted to leave, so I asked the man working in the ticket booth, if I could get my $20 back for parking since I did not attend the show. The man in the ticket booth told me I could get a refund if I gave the parking attendant my red ticket that I was given when I paid. When I approached the parking attendant, he told me that there were no refunds. I explained to him that the man working in the ticket booth told me I could get my money back since I did not attend the show. He then rudely told me "I'm sorry, so refunds". This whole operation is a scam and I wonder why they are even still in business.

  Business Response

  Date: 07/10/2024

  Good Afternoon,

  We understand your frustration and can gladly issue your refund for $20 if you could include the last 4 of your credit card that was used for payment! Our phones blow up all day everyday with attendees confirming that these free tickets are specifically for the children. It indicates it's a $15 value and admits one child 3-13 with PAID adult, the $14.50 states "hurry first 100 adults pay just $14.50 online" we allow everyone to know in that statement it's first come first served while they last online only. I can see how the verbiage could be confusing, all over our website and advertisements we have Q & A's and our phone number and email address listed if any questions are needed answered.

   

  Best Regards,

  Garden Family Shows

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/19/2024

  Type:Sales and Advertising 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 purchased 12 VIP tickets for my entire kids and grandkids. My son and his girlfriend drove by themselves and when they showed up they were told the circus had already started and they would have to buy tickets to the 3pm show. Confused they left and went back to our house. When I went to the someone at the front gate, I was told that some of the gate staff didn't speak very good English and may have made a mistake and that they were sorry for the confusion. That's $153 worth of a mistake that I was reimbursed for. On a side note they are also buying soda and water from ***'s club and reselling them for crazy prices. $5 for a bottle of water thAt cost less then $5 for 36 bottles. The package is clearly labeled NOT FOR RESALE!

  Business Response

  Date: 06/25/2024

  Good Afternoon,

  I unfortunately can not address the face to face encounter that was held with the 2 adults and our staff member to properly direct the matter however, they 100% should not have been turned away. I can see all the tickets that have been checked in and redeemed day of the show. We can certainly do a partial refund for the two adults as mentioned being turned away however of course not for the two children with you all that still attended. As for the assumption of the illegal selling of our sodas and water, is quite invalid. We make the purchases, pay the sales taxes and contain all the proper permitting and documentations that are necessary in order to do so. Like all other vendors, entertainment groups, festivals, carnivals, fair and so forth, are able to do so and at the rates that are sought fit. Like other groups our prices are no more than theirs as they're actually cheaper than most. We look forward to hearing from you regarding the matter. 

   

  Best Regards,

  Garden Family Shows

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/02/2024

   
  Complaint: 21866822
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  My son and his girlfriend has 2 of our nieces with them.  Hence why I purchased 4 seats.  

  As far as the water and Soda.  You know you can't buy Members ******************* from a distributor.  It is only sold in ***** club.  Same with the soda.  They would be required to be purchased from a coke distributor.  

  By selling individually mislabeled products, clearly labeled NOT FOR INDIVIDUAL SALE. You are violating the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and it is an unlawful act

  Im going to give this 7 more business days, before contacting my attorney.  And the ** attorney general.  

  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

  Business Response

  Date: 07/08/2024

  We can go ahead and refund your 1 family four pack purchase, was just thrown off a bit as you indicated specifically it was just the two adults driving together, apologies for that misconception. As mentioned, we have a business license, pay sales taxes and have all desired permitting and requirements needed todo so, which makes us able to buy and resell store bought products. 

   

  Best Regards,

  Garden Family Shows

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/11/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********.

  Now how do I go about getting my $153 back from them. 

  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/27/2024

  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.

  Purchased tickets for *********** event. Family emergency prevented us from attending. I have tried requesting a refund since March 1st. Tried the website, calling, and ******** messenger. After letting them know I was filing complaints, they emailed me stating they do not offer refunds, and tickets never expire. But their website has request refund option. Now they will not respond to me. They will not help me in anyway.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/06/2024

  Good Morning,

  Per our policy we do not offer refunds unless a show were to be cancelled on our behalf, which is why we provide that refund request. We have two separate boxes we have listed on our website during the checkout process to insure knowledge of our policy and refund policy and you must check off these boxes before allowing your tickets to be purchased. Our tickets are valid for any of our shows and do not expire until they've officially been used. We return to the areas around the same time every year, once we return, feel free contacting us with an updated time and day and we'll gladly update them accordingly for you!

   

  Best Regards,

  Garden Family Shows

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/06/2024

   
  Complaint: 21482409
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  nothing was on their website about non-refundable. If it were, I wouldnt have reached out. If that were the case, they wouldnt have ignored every attempt by myself and the BBB to contact them. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************

  Business Response

  Date: 05/13/2024

  Good Afternoon,

  Please see attached. 

   

  Attached you will see there are 2 check boxes indicating our no refund policy as well as our policy itself. It is required and mandated for you to acknowledge and check off these boxes before being allowed to proceed to checkout and successfully make your purchase. It is stated in our policy we do not offer refunds unless a show is cancelled on our behalf which have been a result in terrible weather conditions which leads to our website having the refund request in the occurrence of our show being cancelled/ postponed. As mentioned by other staffing, it is true our tickets never expire and remain valid until they have been officially redeemed. All you do is reach out to us when the show returns with the updated time and day and we'll gladly make the change for you. We're sorry to hear something came up and prevented your attendance to our show, and this is why we're so flexible with our attendees and allow our tickets to be redeemable for any show and any time with a simple switch of showings. We hope this response helps!

  Best Regards,

  Garden Bros Nuclear Circus

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/13/2024

   
  Complaint: 21482409
  
  I am rejecting this response because: how often do you come to Little Rock Arkansas? 
  I do apologize for not taking screenshots of my purchase, but, I do know I checked for refund status. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/11/2024

  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.

  We bought the VIP seats because my son, my husband, nor myself have ever been to a circus. Cheapest seats were $15, we got the $45 seats. We were so excited only to be severely let down. Our view of the main stage was extremely blocked to the point we could not see any of the main stage performances. We were one able to see the back up performers. When we asked to move sections (mind you to EMPTY seats in a GENERAL seating section) to have a better view we were denied. I would not recommend unless you want to be let down with your view. I feel even worse for the family who paid top $$ who sat 2 rows in front of us who had the same issue. You can even see the woman having to stand up and move to see around the beam and she even was told she was not allowed to do that and needed to remain seated. Worse thing is we were also denied a refund for a show we could. Barely even see. They need to rethink the seating around the support beams.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/06/2024

  Good Morning,

  We apologize for the delayed response and have issued your refund for any and all inconvenience's during your visit. Please allow 3-10 business days for it to be processed back into your account! 

   

  Best Regards,

  Garden Family Shows

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/06/2024

   
  Complaint: 21405127
  
  I am rejecting this response because: they claim to have given a refund but have not requested any information to process this claim. They are falsify a solution to make it appear as though they are accommodating to the customer.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************

  Business Response

  Date: 05/13/2024

  Good Morning,
  We did not request any further information due to your first and last name being provided here & being the same name on your ticket purchase... For your reassurance and others, I have included a screenshot of your purchase being refunded and proving evidence of such. It's also time stamped of when it was taken care of. ******* has been falsified on our end and is up to par with our responses. We have accommodated your request and the refund has been successfully issued as mentioned. 

   

  Best Regards,

  Customer Service

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/26/2024

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore 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.

  Covid shut down the show. We were asked to wait until the circus returned I have emails asking them to refund. They continued to say they were mailing the check and never did. They failed to return emails and calls and we have attempted many time to receive our refund and still nothing has been finalized. 4 tickets were purchased online 1 purchased separately (paper photo)

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/05/2024

  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.

  On November 27, 2023, I purchased a ticket to attend their event, along with insurance coverage in case of an emergency. On the day of the event, December 2, my car broke down on the way to the event. Therefore, I contacted their customer service to inform them via phone and email the same day. Since then, I have resubmitted my request for a refund numerous times and reached out to customer service (nearly impossible to reach someone) but have not yet been issued with a refund. This is unacceptable. I am requesting my refund, once and for all.

  Business Response

  Date: 02/14/2024

  Good Afternoon,

  We unfortunately only have one person in customer service who deals with all inquiries via email and via telephone for two traveling shows. It can get super overwhelming and I do apologize for that delay, I went ahead and issued your refund. Please allow **** business days for it to be processed back to the original form of payment! 

   

  Best Regards,

  Garden Bros Nuclear Circus

   

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/14/2024

   
  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:09/25/2023

  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 bought tickets for my family for the garden brothers circus in *******, ** for September 23rd, 2023. When showing up to park, they had no organization for the parking and letting people park anywhere, ultimately ending up blocking people in. When entering the tent for the circus, all seats were filled up and they started charging an $60 for vip just so people who already paid for tickets, could have somewhere to sit. We bought tickets for the 430pm show; they had cancelled the 130pm show that afternoon and told those people to show up at the 430 show. I took my family, turned around and went to the box office and the box office told me they didnt issue refunds. While all of this is happening, they are still letting people buy tickets at the box office to enter the show and still charging people to park who were coming into the park. This organization has terrible communication and did not care about the safety hazards that they were allowing people to enter into all while still selling tickets to people after I told the lady selling tickets that there was no where to sit and still charging cars to park. This organization should not be allowed to sell any type of tickets without keeping track of how many tickets theyre selling and or be allowed to fuse any 2 shows together. Parking was a separate fee they charged with no receipt.

  Business Response

  Date: 09/26/2023

  Good Morning,

  Your claim is a bit confusing... we understand and are sorry to hear there were certain issues with the show due to the weather and cancellations. What exactly are you requesting? Thank you!!
  
  Best Regards

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/19/2023

  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 purchased tickets for garden brothers nuclear circus. The event was located in *********, *********** On Saturday, August 19th 2023 at 4:30pm. There was a quantity of 9 general admission tickets purchased. Along with these general admission purchases we brought along children -all under the ages of 6 years. The show was not family oriented as it advertised. I felt like I was wtching adult entertainment. . We were very unhappy . I contacted the company that I purchased the tickets from event tickets And they directed me to garden brothers. Nuclear circus -then contacted Garden brother's nuclear circus this month of September on 3 different occasions-Left a voicemail and I have gotten no response. I also sent an email correspondence and no reply. I am seeking a full refund. Thank you

  Business Response

  Date: 09/26/2023

  We at Garden Bros Circus strive to give all customers a satisfactory experience at our event. We also value our customers opinions and feedback. As you were told when you called in and spoke with customer service,we unfortunately cannot issue you a refund. Our show is a family friendly event for all ages. When you spoke with customer service, we did explain our women performers wear leotards similar to any other dance, ballet, or other various performing arts. You had also mentioned the one act where the men do not wear shirts. As explained, these are body builders, and like any body building competition the men do not wear shirts. This is in no way, shape, or form.adult entertainment. You were also told that because you purchased tickets through a third-party company and not directly from us, you would need to reach out to that company directly. We have no way to access their system to issue refunds. Third-party vendors also have their own rules/policies that are completely different from ours. Please reach out to the correct company to request a refund.
  
  We thank you for your feedback and hope you enjoy your day.
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 09/26/2023

   
  Complaint: 20624887
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************************