Customers Wig Out Over Failed Deliveries

Better Business Bureau uncovers delivery issues with International Wig LLC in Ashland, Ore.

Complainants purchasing wigs and hairpieces from Internationalwig.com allege that orders are delayed or incorrect. When requesting returns or exchanges, several complaints assert customer service issues; describing the company's correspondence as unfriendly, and in some cases, threatening.

With 54 complaints filed within the last three years - 15 serious, 10 unresolved and 9 unanswered - International Wig has an "F" rating with BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington.

For consumers seeking wigs and hair accessories, consider the following tips:

• Cover bases. Wigs and hairpieces are often pricey purchases so carefully research product quality and compare costs. Look online for retailer reviews; always check out companies at bbb.org. For custom orders, shop locally to examine items in-person.
• Be wary of hairy policies. Before purchasing, review all policies on websites. See how companies handle customer service, shipping, guarantees, refunds, returns and exchanges. Ask questions by phone or email to see how companies respond.
• Avoid extensions. Save receipts, order confirmations and applicable warranties. Businesses must ship products within 30 days if no delivery time was stated; if products are not shipped on time and there is no delay notice, consumers may be entitled to a refund. It's best to pay by credit card for other purchase protections.

Consumers can file complaints with BBB, the Federal Trade Commission, the Internet Crime Complaint Center and the state Attorney General's office. Find more online shopping tips at bbb.org or ftc.gov.