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2/13/2009

Winston Salem, NC – In 2008, the BBB of Northwest North Carolina received over 2,334 complaints from consumers involving businesses located in the counties of Ashe, Alleghany, Alexander, Caldwell, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Iredell, Rowan, Stokes, Surry, Wilkes, Watauga and Yadkin. "While about 61% of complaints processed in 2008 were resolved, there are many businesses in our area that don't respond to BBB efforts to help resolve their customer issues," said David Dalrymple, president and CEO of the BBB of Northwest North Carolina. "We've simply asked for their side of the story to get resolution started, and yet we hear nothing," Dalrymple added. The businesses appearing on the 2008 BBB Bad Baker's Dozen have the most unanswered complaints and have earned an "F" which is the BBB's lowest rating.

The BBB's 2008 Bad Baker's Dozen includes businesses with the most unanswered complaints from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008.

1. Brennan's Bridal - Winston-Salem, NC - This formal where company closed its doors with no word from the owner and eventually filed for bankruptcy. Customers complained of undelivered merchandise and no company response to their concerns. Brennan's Bridal has 37 unanswered complaints from 2008 and 45 total complaints in the last 36 months. Company has filed for bankruptcy. BBB Grade: F
2. Peak Fitness - 5 locations in Northwest North Carolina - A fitness gym with a variety of customer complaints that include contract disputes, refund practices, and selling practices. Peak Fitness has 17 unanswered complaints from 2008 and 32 total complaints in the last 36 months. BBB Grade: F
3. T-N-T Carports - Mount Airy, NC - A manufacturer and installer of metal carports and other metal buildings. Customer complaints primarily relate to delivery issues, service issues, and product quality concerns. T-N-T Carports has 7 unanswered complaints from 2008 and 44 total complaints in the last 36 months. BBB Grade: F
4. Affordable Fence - Lexington, NC - A residential fence company with a pattern of unanswered complaints concerning failure to return to begin work after customers have paid deposit money in advance. Customers also complain about difficulty reaching the company and no return phone calls after leaving multiple voice messages. Affordable Fence has 6 unanswered complaints from 2008 and 14 total complaints in the last 36 months. BBB Grade: F
5. Cire.fx Software - Statesville, NC - An online business offering computer software. A pattern of customer complaints involve merchandise having been ordered and credit cards charged, but merchandise not being received. Cire.fx Software has 6 unanswered complaints from 2008 and 7 total complaints in the last 36 months. BBB Grade: F
6. Silver Bullet Comics - Kernersville, NC - Both a bricks and mortar as well as an online store, this company has a pattern of complaints concerning failure to provide the product ordered, and pre-paid for, by the customer. Customers also indicate lack of response from the company to their frequent voice mail messages, emails and forum messages left on the company's own website. Silver Bullet Comics has 5 unanswered complaints from 2008 and 36 total complaints in the last 36 months. BBB Grade: F
7. Absolute Asphalt / Katidid Paving - Walkertown, NC - Consumers indicate the company's sales pitch involves a good price because of "leftover" asphalt. Soon after work is completed, problems begin to develop due to the quality of work and materials. Absolute Asphalt has 5 unanswered complaints from 2008 and 9 total complaints in the last 36 months. BBB Grade: F
8. Aamco Transmissions - University - Winston-Salem, NC - Automotive service and repair company with complaints concerning the quality of work performed and customer service provided. Aamco Transmissions - University has 5 unanswered complaints from 2008 and 6 total complaints in the last 36 months. BBB Grade: F
9. Magic Mountain Mini Golf & Gem Mine - Boone, NC - Gem mining visitors to the NC Mountains complained of paying to have found gemstones turned into custom jewelry. No final creations were received. Magic Mountain Mini Golf & Gem Mine has 5 unanswered complaints from 2008 and 6 total complaints in the last 36 months. BBB Grade: F
10. LA Weight Loss - Winston-Salem, NC - Offering weight management and reduction services, products and counseling. LA Weight Loss has 4 unanswered complaints from 2008 and 15 total complaints in the last 36 months. BBB Grade: F
11. Plumb Masters Plumbing & Pump - Mocksville, NC - This plumbing company offers a variety of plumbing services. Plumb Masters Plumbing & Pump has 4 unanswered complaints from 2008 and 8 total complaints in the last 36 months. BBB Grade: F
12. Rowan Chimney Works and Pressure Washing - Salisbury, NC - Customers choosing this company for chimney repair services complain of poor work quality as well as incomplete work. Rowan Chimney Works and Pressure Washing has 4 unanswered complaints from 2008 and 5 total complaints in the last 36 months. BBB Grade: F
13. Soyar LLC - Millers Creek, NC - This website offered Nintendo Wiis when they were very hard to get. After buyers paid their money, they never received merchandise. The address used by the company was that of an unsuspecting and uninvolved family. Soyar LLC has 4 unanswered complaints from 2008 and 4 total complaints in the last 36 months. BBB Grade: F

Where can you find the better rated businesses? Start With Trust at bbb.org or call 1-800-777-8348 or 336-725-8348

About BBB

BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization's high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free business BBB Reliability ReportsTM and charity BBB Wise Giving ReportsTM, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is difference in viewpoints. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 125 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring nearly 4 million local and national businesses and charities. Please visit www.bbb.org for more information about BBB.