Little Rock, AR., July 28, 2011 – A Fayetteville, AR business offering camera and camcorder repair nationwide is facing a growing number of recent complaints from customers who say they have sent cameras and camcorders to the company for repair but have not had any return communications from the company.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises consumers to think twice before sending their items for repair to ProGear Camera & Camcorder Repair, located in Fayetteville, AR. The business has an “F” rating with the BBB, the lowest rating possible.
A July 28, report on ProGear Camera & Camcorder Repair showed the BBB had received 10 complaints involving the business in the past three years. All 10 complaints were filed within the past 12 months. The report showed that 8 of the complaints designated as serious. ProGear Camera & Camcorder Repair did not respond to 7 of those complaints. 5 complaints are currently pending.
Most of the complainants allege failure to return items sent for repair and difficulty contacting the company.
From April 1, 2011 to July 28 of this year, the BBB received complaints against Century Photo from following 11 states:
Arkansas
New Hampshire
Florida
Indiana (3)
California (2)
Texas (2)
New Jersey
North Carolina
Maryland
Virginia (2)
Missouri
On June 22, 2011 the BBB discovered a new website operated by the same company, www.progearaudiorepair.com. Through the new site, the company is offering repair service for audio equipment.
Trey Holland, Owner of ProGear Camera and Camcorder Repair advised the BBB on June 27, 2011 that the company is going out of business "because of the problems in Japan, we can't get parts, and the economy here." Mr. Holland also stated the company is sending consumers' items back to them either repaired or not repaired. If not repaired, the consumer's money is being returned also.
Janet Robb, President/CEO Better Business Bureau of Arkansas said, “For customer service to deteriorate so quickly and so completely in a matter of months is a concern. Also, the supply issues the company claims to be experiencing should not impact their customer communications.”
On July 18, 2011, the BBB noted the following information posted on the company’s website: www.progearcamerarepair.com (this statement is NOT listed on the company’s new site www.progearaudiorepair.com.)
*** Unfortunately, due to the current economic climate and difficulties we are experiencing with our suppliers,
**** ProGear Camera & Camcorder, Inc. is forced to close our doors. All clients who currently have equipment
**** in for repairs will either receive your equipment fully repaired (with the 6 month warranty as promised) or
**** will receive your equipment back as is along with any money you may have paid fully refunded. Whether
**** our situation is temporary or permanent is yet to be determined. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Both websites are registered to Trey Holland, Owner of Pro Gear Camera Repair.
BBB recommends that you always check out any business before doing business with them.
Visit www.bbb.org and Start with Trust.