CONSUMER ADVOCACY & ERGONOMICS
Ergonomics is the science of injury prevention in the work place. Inevitably, however, preventing injury whether it be physical or financial is often a function of consumer advocacy. For example, temporary workers are often subject to the cheapest available office furniture and computer systems. Over time, poor tables, chairs, and high pressure work deadlines can promote injury. Often, the least able to defend themselves are the easiest victims of consumer scams. Seniors are another prime example of an exploited consumer group.
Our first example, is the late night cable TV hearing aid, the Loud-N-Clear. Let's hope the manufacturer gets the
message at high volume levels that its inadequate electronics and exorbitant handling fees scream out for change!
==================
Loud-N-Clear
IdeaVillage.com
10303 Norris Avenue
Pacoima, CA 91331
800/691-9898
RE: The Loud-N-Clear sound amplification device.
Invoice # 279921 dated: 3/13/09
It is advertised on television with 100% satisfaction guarantee
and delivered through USPS Priority Mail. Total price is $50.45 for the device delivered in a box totaling 6oz. The device itself is marked “made in China” with inadequate electronics for the task.
Called to return but told I will lose $16.97 in "shipping and handling". Priority USPS mail for the box from zip to zip was $4.95, so the "handling" charge in this case is $12.02.
I believe this is fraud and appears that they have insured profit on the item whether it is returned or not. As a hearing aid device this item takes unfair advantage of senior citizens.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Bailin, Ph.D.
Injury Prevention/Consumer Advocacy Specialist
11900 Atlantic Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90066
310/390-8309
cc: BBB of the Southland (via email form)
(Colton, CA)
315 N. La Cadena
Colton, CA 92324-2927
Phone: (909)825-7280 Fax: (909)825-6246
Email: info@labbb.org
Web: http://www.labbb.org
cc: POSTAL INSPECTION SERVICE (via email form)
PO BOX 2000
PASADENA CA 91102-2000
Phone : 877-876-2455
cc: CA.gov CA Department of Consumer Affairs (via online form)
Your complaint has been received by the:
Correspondence Unit
1625 North Market Blvd., Suite N 112
Sacramento, CA 95834
(800) 952-5210 Online Tracking Number CU-09-0401113853
===============
Re: Complaint #98399062 - Loud N' Clear
This is to let you know that we have sent your complaint to the company for a response, which is the first step in our complaint resolution procedure. We will notify you of the company's response as soon as we receive it, but please allow at least 14 days to hear from us. In the meantime, if the company should contact you directly, please let us know. You may do this online or by fax or mail, using the contact information on this letterhead. If you have any questions, please call us.
To check on the status of your complaint or submit a rebuttal to the company's response, please follow the instructions below.
1. Go to the Single Complaint View/Update page.
http://www.la.bbb.org/ComplaintSingle.aspx
1. Enter Complaint ID
2. Enter your last name
3. Click on "Consumer" button round button
4. Click on "Complaint Details" button.
If the hyperlink above is broken, you may access this by going to our home page, http://www.la.bbb.org, click on the "Consumer" button under the "File a Complaint" heading.
Thank you for using the Better Business Bureau.