[Scan-DC] www.premiere-electronics.net

[Alan Henney]

St. Cloud Times (Minnesota)

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News

September 21, 2012 Friday

BBB alerts consumers about Waite Park electronics business

BYLINE: Kevin Allenspach, St. Cloud Times, Minn.

SECTION: STATE AND REGIONAL NEWS

LENGTH: 362 words

Sept. 21--WAITE PARK -- The Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota on Friday issued an alert about Premiere Electronics, a business listed at 411 Third Street N. According to the alert, the BBB has processed 34 complaints against the company in the past three years and has awarded Premiere Electronics an "F" rating because of a pattern of complaints. 

Premiere Electronics, which sells electronic accessories including CB radios and police scanners through a web site at www.premiere-electronics.net, could not be reached for a response. Calls to both phone numbers listed went unanswered. An email sent to the company also was not immediately returned.

The complaints show a pattern of delivery and customer service issues, according to the BBB. Customers said their merchandise never shipped or there were issues with items they received.

The alert mentions Premiere Eletronics has been responsive to BBB complaints in the past but failed to address the root of these complaints. In some cases, the company said orders had been canceled, with no money changing hands, because items were on back order. The company also resolved some complaints by shipping merchandise or providing refunds.

However, the alert includes six customer complaints that have been closed as unanswered and three others closed as unresolved. According to the BBB, the company did not respond to an invitation to discuss the complaints.

As a result, the BBB advises the following when shopping for electronics online:

* Investigate a company's background and complaint history at www.bbb.org.

* Comparison shop to make sure you're getting a good deal.

* Read a company's return policies closely. Visit other online forums to see what customers say about a company's products or customer service.

* Pay with a credit card. These provide you with some protection should your merchandise not ship or arrive damaged. Protections when shopping with a debit card vary based on the financial institution.

For more, contact the BBB at 800-646-6222.

___ (c)2012 the St. Cloud Times (St. Cloud, Minn.) Visit the St. Cloud Times (St. Cloud, Minn.) at www.sctimes.com Distributed by MCT Information Services