BBB warning: Bulky Bean LLC took orders, money without delivering product, consumers say

Submitted by the Better Business Bureau

Better Business Bureau of Upstate New York warns consumers to use caution when ordering from Bulky Bean LLC. BBB received a high volume of complaints and reports from consumers who placed orders, paid, and did not receive the items.

On its website, Bulky Bean claims to sell oversized bean bag chairs for $49, much lower than the retail price on other websites. BBB received 38 complaints, seven customer reviews, and 14 BBB Scam Tracker reports alleging the company took orders and payment for items but never delivered them.

BBB customer reviews:

√ “I would give a zero if I could. Took my money, never sent my product. LOTS of emailing back and forth with false promises, but I never get the product, nor have I gotten my money back.”

√ “Uses social media for advertising. Will send confirmation of received funds but will not send tracking information. Also will not reply to emails and contact information (phone number) is disconnected.”

BBB attempted to contact the business to discuss the issues, but was unsuccessful. The phone number is disconnected, and the address in Fairport is a private residence.

BBB offers these tips for safe online shopping: 

√ Know the advertiser. Some of the best deals are only available online, but be careful. It’s easy for a fake site to mimic a famous retailer’s website, so make sure you shop with a legitimate site.

√ Think before you click. Be especially cautious about email solicitations and online ads on social media sites. Many sketchy retailers advertise great deals or trendy items that don’t measure up to the promotional hype.

√ Beware of too-good-to-be-true deals. In this case, the item offered for sale was priced at less than half the price of other retailers. Offers on websites and in unsolicited emails may offer discounts on hard-to-find items.

√ Be a savvy shopper. When shopping online, take your time and read the fine print before submitting your order. Look for contact information, and return policies and do some comparison shopping, so you know the suggested retail value of the item.

√ Protect personal information. Read a site’s privacy policy and understand what personal data is requested and how it will be used. If a site doesn’t have a privacy policy, that’s a big red flag that it may be a scam.

√ Beware of phishing. Phishing emails can look like a message from a well-known brand, but clicking on unfamiliar links can place you at risk for malware and/or identity theft.

√ Shop with a credit card. In case of a fraudulent transaction, a credit card provides additional protections; it’s easier to dispute charges you didn’t approve or get your money back if there is a problem. Debit cards, prepaid cards, or gift cards don’t have the same protections as credit cards.

√ Keep documentation of your order. Save a copy of the confirmation page or email confirmation until you receive the item and are satisfied. Know and understand the return policy and keep this documented with your purchase records. According to the FTC, when you shop online, sellers are supposed to ship your order within the time stated in their ads or within 30 days if the ads don’t give a time. If a seller can’t ship within the promised time, they have to provide you with a revised shipping date, with the chance to either cancel your order for a full refund or accept the new shipping date.

BBB urges consumers to file complaints with BBB and report issues to BBB Scam Tracker to help warn others. Visit BBB's Consumer HQ for more tips.