ComplaintsforDesigns Cottage

• Initial Complaint

  03/29/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Unanswered

  More info

  We had have an agreement to build a e commerce website and a deposited was paid, they built a site with bug with the intent to stealing personal information and credit card , I was unable to use the site and they hibernated ever sine no response , no contact

• Initial Complaint

  04/18/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Unanswered

  More info

  We began working with Designs Cottage to build a new website for our business. We have been charged a total of $1,938.00 for services and then were charged a $500.00 penalty for a "policy" violation when they stated we had not communicated in 30 days which was in fact not true. We expressed a change in staffing and that we just needed to figure out who was taking this project over. After a phone call the project manager ************************* stated we could not continue to work on the project unless the fee was paid. The communication has been terrible during the entire process. When speaking to ****** he was not willing to answer questions or give the guidance we were asking for. During one call we asked to speak to a supervisor, a guy got on the phone by the name of *** **** who we asked to have a new project manager. The call dropped and the call we got back was from ****** and not the supervisor. We called ************ who helped get us set up to work with Designs Cottage and she gave a ticket number of *********** and set up an appointment for their QA department to call us at 10am the following day to help resolve our problems, no one called. I sent an email to *** ***** requesting a new project manager and expressing some struggles we were having and received no response. The entire experience with this company has been horrible, each time we expressed a complaint or concern they turned the situation back on us stating they have been completing their end and that we are wrong in the situation. We have requested a w9 several times for tax purposes and they refuse to provide one stating privacy issues. One was provided initially but looks altered and was dated for 2013 which is why we requested a new one. The company has been deceitful regarding costs as well. We are looking to be refunded and sever our ties with this company.

  Customer response

  05/04/2023

   
  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.

  We have heard from Design Cottage as of 4/27/2023 stating they were going to refund $1,500.00 of the amount paid.  We have not seen refund as of today, and are suspect we will actually get the refund.  ************************* of Designs Cottage stated it could take ***** days. 

   

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

  Office Manager

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

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

   

  

  ***************** CONSTRUCTION COMPANY DOES NOT ACCEPT OR SEND WIRE TRANSFERS/ACH PAYMENTS.

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

  Customer response

  05/18/2023

   
  Complaint: 19949974
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  We have waited the full 20 days that Designs Cottage said it would take to receive a refund and we have not received it.  Can you reopen our complaint?  What should we do at this point?

   

  PLEASE NOTE NEW MAILING ADDRESS: PO Box ******, *********** ** *****

   

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

  Office Manager

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

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

  *****, ** *****

  ************ (O)

   

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

• Initial Complaint

  03/27/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Unresolved

  More info

  I entered into a contract with Designs Cottage to create a unique website design for my business. I provided them with an example website that I admired, emphasizing that I wanted my website to be distinct and original, not a copy of the example provided. The purpose of sharing the example was to give Designs Cottage an understanding of the style and elements I wanted to incorporate into my own design. However, upon receiving the completed design from Designs Cottage, I was extremely disappointed to discover that the design was nearly identical to the example website I had provided, demonstrating a clear lack of creativity and originality. This is not the unique design I had requested and paid for. Upon realizing this, I contacted Designs Cottage to express my dissatisfaction and request a revision or a refund. I have made multiple attempts to communicate with them, including phone calls and emails, but the merchant has been unresponsive or unwilling to address my concerns. As a result, I am left with a design that I cannot use due to copyright concerns and a lack of originality, and I have not received the service I paid for. I have attached copies comparison of the example website and the design provided by Designs Cottage to support my claim. I kindly request that you investigate this matter and, if appropriate, issue a credit to my account for the disputed amount. Current status of the dispute request from **** of America has been denied, because I did start the dispute in their time frame. I believe that I have been treated unfairly by the merchant and that my claim is valid. I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and look forward to your response. Thank you for your understanding and assistance.

  Customer response

  04/18/2023

   
  Complaint: 19850441
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

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

  6905 ***********. Ste i

  **********, ** 90621

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

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

  04/12/2023

   

  Re: Complaint ID #******** against Designs Cottage

   

  Dear Sir/Madam,

   

  I am writing to follow up on my recent complaint filed against Designs Cottage (Complaint ID #*********. I would like to provide additional information regarding the issue and request your assistance in resolving this matter.

   

  On March 28, I received a response from ****, the project manager at Designs Cottage, stating that they would issue a refund if I first removed my comments from the BBB website. I replied to them, expressing my preference to receive the refund before removing any comments. Moreover, **** mentioned that they believe it is reasonable for Designs Cottage to retain a portion of the payment to compensate their staff for the work completed on the project. I strongly disagree with this stance, as the service provided did not meet the standards I had expected.

   

  As a result, I kindly request your intervention to facilitate a resolution. I maintain that a full refund should be provided, as the company did not deliver the service they had promised. I am open to receiving the refund directly from Designs Cottage or having the Better Business Bureau inform **** of America to initiate the dispute process on my behalf.

   

  Please note that my original dispute with **** of America was denied due to the dispute process not being initiated within their required time window. Thus, I am now seeking the assistance of the BBB to ensure a fair outcome.

   

  Thank you for your attention to this matter. I appreciate your efforts in resolving consumer complaints and promoting trust and integrity in the business community.

   

  Sincerely,

   

  *******************.

   

  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Ho Gun Youn

• Initial Complaint

  03/03/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On August 18 ,2022. I hired Designs Cottage based on ******** *******, and ********, **, ****** in the hope to build a website for a starting a small business. Simple website design and hosting for Tarot Card reading services. Designs Cottage promised to have my money back and service guarantee. After doing some research for this company reviews to ******* *************** and other search engines to ******* ****************** I realized Designs Cottage it is a scam-fraud company. OnJanuary 12, 2023. I found several costumers complaining from Designs Cottage claiming that they always put services down as an excuse to ask for more money than agreed to service. Many other client complaints claiming this company is a scam company. Therefore, I submitted a ******** Police Report under the ****** Law on January 13, 2023. On January *******. I filed a Fraud report to Citizen Report ******************** *************************************************************************************************************. ******. The Peel ********************** # ** located in ******************* ****** issued Report # *********. *********** ***********: ********************. I will provide a copy of the file in 10 business days. The description of my report at Police station is below: Designs Cottage deceived me for purchasing a website design product and hosting. They Lure me with hope to launch a website for November 2022.The website never launched. The website never worked properly. The website keeps crashing, not launching, failing to open to many browsers. Designs cottage keep asking for more payments to fix website issues which this is the actual part of the scam-fraud. Design Cottage took five payments through a link where I will input my credit card information and financial information. There were several payments taken from me:Design Cottage payment on initial fee, August 18, 2022, =$199.00 ********** Cottage payment on Lifetime Reg,September 2nd, 2022= $300.00 ********** Cottage Lifetime Hosting ,September 22nd,2022=$650.00 CAD ****** Index -List E-books o line, December 9th, 2022= $400.00 CAD Registration E-books, January 13, 2023.=$672.98 CAD.Total amount taken as payment (scam/fraud) from my ************* Master Card= $ ******** CAD.January 13th I contacted ************* Credit cards for filing a fraud report for five charges which I all of them were under investigation for fraud-scam by the ************* Fraud. February 7th Agent ****** from ************* and Agent ***************). ****** confirmed two of five charges (400 +672.98 CAD) were validated as fraud by *****************. The other 3 charges from August and September, they were over the 60 days period of the fraud reimbursement period under the Master Card Policy. However due the fraud situation they would have been reimbursed, if I would have filed report at earlier date in 2022 to ************* Master Card. ************* officer commented I shall dispute the other charges directly with Designs Cottage. I did not want to deal directly with them. February 24, 2023, Designs Cottage team named ****** reached to pursue me to withdrawal my claim for Fraud to Master Card ******. Design Cottage keeps calling me several times to confirm they can fix the issue again (fake promises again), with the exchange to withdrawal my fraud-claim.

  Business response

  03/03/2023

  Dear BBB,
  

  We have received a complaint from a client alleging that our company has scammed her and that she has not received the services she paid for. We would like to respond to these allegations and clarify that all deliverables of the project in question have been successfully delivered and that the client's claims are false.
  

  We take pride in providing our clients with high-quality services and ensuring that they are satisfied with the outcome. In this particular case, we have evidence to support our claim that the client received all the services she paid for, and that she was satisfied with the work we provided.
  

  We would like to direct your attention to a video review that the client herself provided regarding our services. In this review, which was posted on ******* four months ago, the client speaks positively about her overall experience with our company and gives us a five-star rating on Trustpilot. This is in contrast to the allegations made in her complaint, and we are perplexed as to why she is now making false claims against us.
  

  We would like to emphasize that we conducted the client's project with the utmost dedication and professionalism. We completed all tasks as requested and provided the client with regular updates and communication throughout the process. We have no indication of any issues or concerns on the part of the client during the project or upon completion.
  

  In light of these facts, we believe that the allegations made by the client are baseless and without merit. We have no record of any request for a refund or any indication of dissatisfaction with our services. We have attempted to contact the client to discuss her concerns and have not received any response.
  

  We believe that the client's claims constitute defamation and have caused damage to our reputation and business. We are considering legal action against the client in this matter.
  

  In summary, we firmly assert that we have provided the client with all the services she paid for, and that her claims are false and unsubstantiated. We ask that BBB consider this response and take appropriate action to address this matter.

  Following is the link of her video review while the screenshot of the Trustpilot is being attached.

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

  Thank you for your attention to this matter.
  

  Sincerely,

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

  Designs Cottage

  
  

  Customer response

  03/06/2023

   
  Complaint: 19530396
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  That video was taken four months ago ending October 2022. In October 2022, when website was just being created and the website was on pilot stage. In October 2022, I was not able to have clients testing for browsing and booking appointments to online business. The project manager named ****** suggested (kinda pushing) me to do complete this video. After website was launched, November and December they were many issues I faced with the website which made me believe the product was bad. Everytime, I have a issues with my website; I was asked to provide with more money to paid which this way- I considered as scam. 1-I have attached prove of other costumers (reviews) on Yelp and Yahoo. 2- They were other clients who also have bad reviews to this business and whom also were (scammed) - they were asked for more money and more fees every time from Designs Cottage. _proof attached. 

  If you look at the email chain support attached in communication with Design Cottage. Since, October,November, and December the website is failing not launching, and the company keeps asking for more money in order to fix the issue for their clients. This was not agreed on the original service agreement original contracted. This is not a way to act professional to a client. They should not be asking for more money to fix current issues with product (webiste). 
  

  They allegations are false because I have been in contact by call with two Members of design Cottage to find a possible solution,I have proof (attached): 
  

  a) February 27, 2023 at 4:30pm. I have spoken to the project Manager ****** by his mobile call registered Easter time **************. On call ****** asked to reinstate service in exchange to withdrawal my claim here at BBB. I mentioned to project manager on the call at 6:00PM that I would prefer a 3rParty Mediator like BBB to counsel our interactions because I wish my rights to be protected since I lost trust on the business. 
  

  b) March 3rd, 2023 at 6:00 pm Eastern time. I had spoke with Design Cottage Manager named **** to his mobile **************. ****, Account manger was asking if a resolution was possible. I asked **** Account manager to refund in full the money which I spent in total CAD $ ******** CAD. **** mentioned he would need to refund to same credit card. I told **** However, I do not wish to provide my personal information or my credit card.

  C) I wish to be refunded by cheque. I also, proposed to **** to email me a settlement agreement -including all details of his settlement including detail amount of refund, and Design Cottage legal representative Identification for settlement. I also mentioned to **** that I would like a 3rd Party Mediator (Arbitrage); like BBB for our interactions with Design Cottage as the trust has been broken. I asked **** to please cancel all services and refund in full the amount spend in CAD $ ********

  I please ask the BBB counsellor or mediator - to provide a possible an amicable resolution to finalize this complain in best of client.  I ask to ******* Law (BBB) and ****** Law to protect my rights as consumer. I have asked the same to RCMP Police in ****** and Consumer Protection in ******** Grounds. 
  

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

   

  Customer response

  04/03/2023

   
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  
  I am writing in regards complain # ******** Designs Cottage. This ticket was with case manager named *********************************. She told me to re-open ticket, by email but the email she provided me is not correct : ************************************************** I would like to reopen my complain as I have not gotten an agreement with Design Cottage. I remain dissatisfied with their response. I provided to BBB with enough evidence of failing of service website original contracted. Design Cottage never provided with hosting and website technology and maintenance reports such: Traffic Online Report Peak Hours of service Online maintained service SLA Service Level Agreement for hosting and online traffic. ETA- Estimated time to fix issues during failing and critical ************* cottage only focus on their reputation and their allegations. Design Cottage is dismissing the fact that my small online business named-Purple Twin Flames- has been impacted by losing sales, revenues, and missing client appointments which ones should be booked online during months of October 2022 to March 2023. The website failing service has caused a loss on my business for about $4,000.00 CAD. I provided evidence of communication to Design Cottage in two occasions: February 27,2023 and March 3rd,2023. I have two (witnesses -listeners) during both calls which names are protected. I tried two times to get into an agreement with Design Cottages representatives by call: a) February 27, 2023 at 4:30pm. I have spoken to project Manager named ****** on Friday by his mobile call registered Easter time **************. That call ****** asked to reinstate service in exchange to withdrawal my claim here at BBB. I mentioned to project manager on the call at 6:00PM that I would prefer a 3rParty Mediator like BBB to counsel our interactions because I wish my rights to be protected and I lost trust on the business. b) March 3rd, 2023 at 6:00 pm Eastern time. I had spoke with Design Cottage Manager named **** to his mobile **************. ****, Account manger was asking if a resolution was possible. I asked **** Account manager to refund in full the money which I spent in total CAD $ ******** CAD. **** mentioned he would need to refund to same credit card. However, I do not wish to provide my personal information or my credit car to his company. I asked to be refunded by cheque. I also, proposed to **** to email me a settlement agreement - including all details of his settlement including detail amount of refund, and Design Cottage legal representee for this company. I also mentioned to **** that I would like a 3rd Party Mediator (Arbitrage) like BBB for our interactions with Design Cottage as the trust has been broken. I asked **** to please cancel all services and refund in full the amount spend in CAD $ ******** I never heard back from this business since those two interactions. I have not received another settlement offer from Design Cottage. Considering above situation, and the loss of revenue caused to my business. I am asking again to Design Cottage please, refund me full amount which I spend for their service: $ ***** CAD. I contacted credit card provider Master Card at ************** Design Cottage can refund to original credit card provided for original payment in August with number: ******************. After full refund payment to credit card #******************. is confirmed by ************* ******, I will confirm to BBB and to Designs Cottage; that a fair resolution an agreement has been reached between both parties, and that Complain # ******** is finally resolved and client is satisfied. I am in best position to find an amicable solution for both parties involved to this complain. Sincerely, ****************************** ****-*******************************************. ***********, **. ******. L5M 2E3
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

  Customer response

  04/03/2023

   
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  
  I am writing in regards complain # ******** Designs Cottage. This ticket was with case manager named *********************************. She told me to re-open ticket, by email but the email she provided me is not correct : ************************************************** I would like to reopen my complain as I have not gotten an agreement with Design Cottage. I remain dissatisfied with their response. I provided to BBB with enough evidence of failing of service website original contracted. Design Cottage never provided with hosting and website technology and maintenance reports such: Traffic Online Report Peak Hours of service Online maintained service SLA Service Level Agreement for hosting and online traffic. ETA- Estimated time to fix issues during failing and critical ************* cottage only focus on their reputation and their allegations. Design Cottage is dismissing the fact that my small online business named-Purple Twin Flames- has been impacted by losing sales, revenues, and missing client appointments which ones should be booked online during months of October 2022 to March 2023. The website failing service has caused a loss on my business for about $4,000.00 CAD. I provided evidence of communication to Design Cottage in two occasions: February 27,2023 and March 3rd,2023. I have two (witnesses -listeners) during both calls which names are protected. I tried two times to get into an agreement with Design Cottages representatives by call: a) February 27, 2023 at 4:30pm. I have spoken to project Manager named ****** on Friday by his mobile call registered Easter time **************. That call ****** asked to reinstate service in exchange to withdrawal my claim here at BBB. I mentioned to project manager on the call at 6:00PM that I would prefer a 3rParty Mediator like BBB to counsel our interactions because I wish my rights to be protected and I lost trust on the business. b) March 3rd, 2023 at 6:00 pm Eastern time. I had spoke with Design Cottage Manager named **** to his mobile **************. ****, Account manger was asking if a resolution was possible. I asked **** Account manager to refund in full the money which I spent in total CAD $ ******** CAD. **** mentioned he would need to refund to same credit card. However, I do not wish to provide my personal information or my credit car to his company. I asked to be refunded by cheque. I also, proposed to **** to email me a settlement agreement - including all details of his settlement including detail amount of refund, and Design Cottage legal representee for this company. I also mentioned to **** that I would like a 3rd Party Mediator (Arbitrage) like BBB for our interactions with Design Cottage as the trust has been broken. I asked **** to please cancel all services and refund in full the amount spend in CAD $ ******** I never heard back from this business since those two interactions. I have not received another settlement offer from Design Cottage. Considering above situation, and the loss of revenue caused to my business. I am asking again to Design Cottage please, refund me full amount which I spend for their service: $ ***** CAD. I contacted credit card provider Master Card at ************** Design Cottage can refund to original credit card provided for original payment in August with number: ******************. After full refund payment to credit card #******************. is confirmed by ************* ******, I will confirm to BBB and to Designs Cottage; that a fair resolution an agreement has been reached between both parties, and that Complain # ******** is finally resolved and client is satisfied. I am in best position to find an amicable solution for both parties involved to this complain. Sincerely, ****************************** ****-*******************************************. ***********, **. ******. L5M 2E3
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

*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. ↩