GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - An online car parts dealer, falsely claiming to be based in Grand Rapids, is under investigation by the Better Business Bureau for a myriad of issues.
Quality Used Transmissions has been on the BBB's radar since 2015, and been the subject of multiple investigations. The company falsely claims to be located Grand Rapids, and appears part of a multi-state auto parts business that has generated hundreds of BBB complaints and negative reviews nationwide the BBB says.
Quality Used Transmissions also operates under at least 10 other names spanning several states, such as Auto Recycling, Engine & Transmission World, Southwest Engines, and possibly Got Engines, Midwest Auto Recycling LLC, Quality Used Engines, Remanns, Remanns Premium Engines, Remanns Premium Used Engines, and many more.
The BBB has attempted to reach out the business and have not heard back. Consumers' complaints range from receiving wrong or broken items, delayed shipping, and refusal to refund money. Recently, complaints have been about poor quality items, not being able to contact customer service for resolutions, and being charged a 25% "restocking fee" without any actual restocking taking place.
Regardless of the multitude of complaints and a recent lawsuit, the company is still in operation and taking customer orders.
The BBB advises that in order to avoid similar situations:
- Recognize red flags. If a business doesn't provide valid contact info, mimics a well known retailer's website, and/or doesn't provide a secure method to submit payment information, you should reconsider your purchase.
- Read online reviews. Past consumer experiences with a business can help shed light on what will happen if you buy from that same business. BBB.org verifies all reviews and complaints before posting them online so you know a review or complaint came from an actual customer.
- Find the fine print. Some business websites will provide details like their refund policies, shipping costs, and restocking fees, but do so on a hard to find web page or buried amongst irrelevant info. Find and read this fine print because you're agreeing to it once you purchase.
If you've run into similar issues with Quality Used Transmissions, one of its affiliate businesses, or a related company, file a complaint with BBB. You can also use the BBB's Scam Tracker to report a possible scam as well as find out about other scams near you.
April Stevens is a digital producer for 13 on Your Side. You can contact her at astevens@wzzm13.com or on Twitter.
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