Need to file a complaint?
BBB is here to help. We'll guide you through the process.
Complaint Details
Note that complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. See details.
Initial Complaint
09/13/2022
- Complaint Type:
- Billing Issues
- Status:
- Resolved
On 8/29/22, ** *********** came to my home to give an estimate to add/build a fireplace (firebox, chimney,insert, and hearth) to my existing home. I was charged $125 to do so. I looked at the estimate in more detail after he left, and noticed sales tax ($1106.20) was added to estimate, which sales tax does not apply to construction improvements on residential property. I contacted the company the next day, as I wanted the sales tax removed before I signed the contract. The company responded that they are not contractors and have to charge sales tax. I emailed them specifics of the Kentucky Sales Tax code to state my case, said I would not accept the proposal as long as the sales tax was still part of the total, and requested my $125 estimate fee back if they maintained their position of illegally charging the sales tax. The company has not responded, but they did cash my check
Business response
09/23/2022
Firstly, let me apologize for the delay in this response as the first email from BBB was not received that I can find.
In response to the complaint filed against us: on August 29, 2022 we traveled from Ashland,KY to Olive Hill, KY to the home of **** ******. She scheduled our services for an estimate on installing an insert and firebox. Up front she knew there was a charge for our services to go to Olive Hill for the appointment as we do not give free estimates. ** ***********, the owner of Sootshaker Chimney Sweep, went to this appointment and spent almost four hours total, including the travel there and back. We do not feel it was wrong in anyway to cash Ms. ******' check for our service rendered to her on that day despite her being upset with us because we would not give in to her wishes to have the tax removed using the above KRS 139.010 law. We have run a successful, small business in Kentucky since 1989 and as I can recollect, never had a complaint filed with the BBB. I hope this gives you more insight into our situation with Ms. ******.
Thank you,
Kimberly Blankenship, Office Manager
Sootshaker Chimney Sweep
606-329-8859
Customer response
09/28/2022
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,
**** ******
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. ↩
BBB Business Profiles may not be reproduced for sales or promotional purposes.
BBB Business Profiles are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. BBB asks third parties who publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website to affirm that the information provided is accurate. However, BBB does not verify the accuracy of information provided by third parties, and does not guarantee the accuracy of any information in Business Profiles.
When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.
BBB Business Profiles generally cover a three-year reporting period. BBB Business Profiles are subject to change at any time. If you choose to do business with this business, please let the business know that you contacted BBB for a BBB Business Profile.
As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business. Businesses are under no obligation to seek BBB accreditation, and some businesses are not accredited because they have not sought BBB accreditation.
Customer Reviews are not used in the calculation of BBB Rating
Contact Information
Want a quote from this business?
Get a QuoteCustomer Complaints Summary
1 total complaints in the last 3 years.
0 complaints closed in the last 12 months.