Better Business Bureau’s complaints against Camas-based companies VoodooMan Switches and Black Label Switches are resonating; musicians are sounding off about late or undelivered footswitches, pedals and acoustic equipment.
Most complainants also cite unreturned phone calls and emails after products are purchased from voodoomanswitches.com or blacklabelswitches.com.
Though VoodooMan Switches has been responsive to some BBB complaints, 40 of 53 complaints remain unanswered. To date, BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington has recorded 261 inquiries on VoodooMan in 2012—surpassing the 221 inquiries received in 2011 and 156 in 2010. Black Label Switches has four unanswered complaints and 77 inquiries since April 2012.
While the equipment is the bait, the business name is the switch; James Britt is believed to be the owner of both companies.
When searching for amplifiers and other sound gear:
- Boost search efforts. Listen to other customers; research business names, Web addresses and phone numbers in search engines to read reviews.
- Turn down high volumes. Be wary if companies have excessive complaints.
- Listen to instincts. Missing licensing records and privacy policies are blaringly obvious turn-offs.
- Back-peddle. Hang on to order confirmations and pay by credit card, in case purchases need to be disputed.
- Sound off if it doesn’t seem right. Voice complaints at bbb.org, ftccomplaintassistant.gov and ic3.gov.
About your BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington:
For 100 years, BBB has been advancing marketplace trust. BBB is a neutral not-for-profit organization that helps consumers find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. For more information on ethical business standards, BBB Accreditation, BBB Business Reviews, Charity Reviews, complaints, events and anti-fraud tips, contact BBB or visit www.bbb.org.
