Colony Brands, Inc.

Review: [redacted] is reporting on my [redacted] report that my account is in Charge Off status as of [redacted], when in fact it was paid off [redacted].Desired Settlement: Reflect the correct status and account history.

Business

Response:

This complaint is redundant. Please see response to complaint [redacted].

Review: I ordered a shirt from a Monroe and Main catalog on February 24,2016. When the shirt arrived, it did not look anything like the shirt that was pictured in the magazine. the shirt was very poor quality and craftsmanship and had stains on it. I returned the shirt in a pre-paid envelope provided with the order the very next day after receiving it. Today I received a bill from the company stating that I owed them $18.90. The bill shows the shirt purchase amount of $39.99 credited back to my account on 3-4-16. It shows debit to my account in the amount of $7.95. No other description is provided occurring on 3-4-16. It also shows the original purchase for the amount of $50.94 on 2-24-16. There are reference numbers but this will not let me enter them (recognizes it as a social security number). I just called the company today upon receiving this bill. I spoke first with Anna in the accounts department and she transferred me to customer service where I spoke very briefly with someone named Sebastian. I say briefly because he hung up on me. When I asked him what the $18.90 was for, all he said was that it was for the return envelope. when I explained to him why the product was returned and that I did not feel I should be held responsible for any charges due to the fact that the product was misrepresented in the picture, he hung up on me. I was very polite with him, did not raise my voice, did not get nasty with him. I was matter of fact with him and his hanging up on me was very unprofessional. I have never ordered a product and returned it and been billed for shipping and handling in the past and I read nowhere in the magazine or on the order paperwork received with the shirt that I would be responsible for these costs.Desired Settlement: The amount of $18.90 be cleared from my account and I am not held responsible for the amount due to misrepresentation and poor quality of merchandise.

Business

Response:

We received your correspondence from the Revdex.com regarding Order #[redacted]. Please accept our apologies that the Oh Baby Top was less than satisfactory.

We regret that your concerns were not able to be properly addressed during your call to Customer Service call on 3/14/2016. The call has been reviewed and we believe the call was disconnected due to a malfunction. We apologize for any inconvenience experienced as a result.

Our guarantee, which can be found on the back of the center order form as well as on our website, states: “If any item, for any reason, does not meet your expectations, just return it to us within 60 days. Simply tell us your preference, and we'll gladly refund your merchandise amount, credit your account or issue a replacement. If your item is damaged, contact us at 800-727-9496.” Shipping and processing is not automatically credited which is a common practice in the catalog industry when a customer returns an item because it did not fit, was not as expected, or the customer changed his or her mind. The reason code provided on the return form indicates that the item was returned due to “Did not like style/features”.

Additionally, the item was returned using the Smart Label option. This option is provided by Monroe & Main as a customer convenience at a cost of $7.95 which is charged to your account when the item is returned. This information is clearly disclosed on the return label.

As a courtesy, we have credited original shipping and processing of $10.95 as well as the Smart Label charge of $7.95. Your account will reflect a zero balance within the next 48 hours.

We hope this information is helpful. We appreciate the opportunity to explain.

Sincerely, Monroe & Main

In Feb. 2013, I ordered merchandise from Seventh Avenue" catalog. They acknowledged my order within two days from receiving the order. I immediately called the company and asked them to cancel my order--I was told by the customer service rep. that my order was being processed as we were speaking, and I ask her if she could possibly stop the order before it left the dock. She told me if she wasn't able to stop it, that I could return the packages as soon as I received them. I refused the packages and the mail service returned them to sender for me. The company had re-opened a revolting charge account and started billing me a monthly fee before they received the merchandise back. I asked them to cancel this account, I didn't authorize them to open it for me, but as of this date they ignore my requests and are still sending statements. I put them right back in an envelope and send them back to them. I have requested a cease and desist regarding communication with me to no avail. I have filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and the State of Oklahoma's Attorney General's Office. Now I am notifying you and asking for help to get this company to stop harassing us. [redacted]

this is the absolute worst company I've ever dealt with in my 50 years. The customer service is horrible. You get hung up on time after time after time of waiting over 20 minutes for someone to answer the phone. When they realize that you're standing your ground, after jumping through all of their hoops after the fact, they end the call somehow and blame it on the phone syste. Thhey've had their money for over three weeks and I are still holding my order "to make sure my money my check was not returned", (they had the money since September 25th it is now October 13th). Excuse after excuse and I still don't have the things I ordered. Never again; would I ever order from them.

Review: I shopped online and returned some items but was charged interest and late fees. After talking to customer service to straighten things out, they agreed to refund the fees and told me the amount to pay to settle my balance. However, I am still receiving bills. The bills are including more fees, when my balance should be zero. I am receiving threats to my credit rating as well.Desired Settlement: Correcting my balance due to $0. Cancelling my account. Correcting the negative hits on my credit reports.

Business

Response:

We received the correspondence from the Revdex.com regarding your Monroe & Main account status. We are sorry for any confusion regarding your order and subsequent return.

Review: I attempted to make a single payment online. The company has a system default that duplicates your payment before the initial payment is taken. When this duplication appeared to me on screen. Immediately called customer service, I made a payment over the phone and I stated that I only wanted one payment to take place. I was assured that only the payment that I was making over the phone would take place. I was told that the online payment would not take place.A few days later one online payment and one payment made over the phone was deducted from my account.I called customer service stating what happened. I was told that the duplicate payments could not be removed. (I only wanted one payment removed). I told the customer service representative that I would no longer be a customer once my bill was paid in full.My banking institution is working to correct my account to reflect only one payment being made to Seventh Avenue.I previously had no complaints with this company. I had recently reviewed the item that I had received regarding this account and my bill had been adjusted in the amount of 25%.Desired Settlement: The automatic default for additional payments should be removed.

Business

Response:

Seventh Avenue has reviewed its online payment process and has not been able to duplicate the experience reported by Ms. [redacted]. Seventh Avenue offers its apologies for the online payment that was completed after she was told it would not be. Seventh Avenue has credited Ms. [redacted] account in the amount of $20 for the inconvenience.

Consumer

Response:

[A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response. If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

Review: I have never had an account with Ginny's /old colony products or service ,and I find ginnys on my credit report but I have never had an account with them . could you please look into this as I believe this is fraud by another person not me . could you investigate this matter ,and have them remove this from my credit report ,and correct there billing problem . I dianne witham dispute this . I have called Ginny's a few times ,and complained this is not mine Thank You [redacted]Desired Settlement: remove this from my credit report ,and file, fix billing error due to this is not my bill

Business

Response:

Ms. [redacted] filed her first dispute regarding this account on May 6, 2014. On July 1, 2014 she filed a dispute specifically alleging identity theft. In response, Ginny’s mailed an identity theft affidavit to her attention for her to complete and return. To date, Ginny’s has not received the completed affidavit.

Review: On January 13, 2015 I mistakely through the online backing paid Midnight Velvet. I have not used Midnight Velvet since 2010. I called them and explained to them what I had done. I also had my bank to send them a statement. The bank sent them a statement stating that they had indeed received my $60.00 as payment. I called again after the Bank sent them a statement and they stated they could not find my $60.00. They don't have it, they never received it. I did, however, talk to one gentleman; I don't recall his name that stated that he did received the statement from the bank and that I should received a refund shortly. I have not received a refund as of yet. Now, however, everytime I call back no one seems to now where my money is or that they don't have it. I want my money returned to me. My bank sent proof that they did in in fact receive it. It was taken out of my account. Grant it, it was my mistake for sending it to them, however, they should have never kept it if they knew I had not had an account with them since 2010. I have called everyday to no avail. Please help me recoop my $60.00 as times are hard and I need my money back.Desired Settlement: Northing so far.

Business

Response:

Ms. [redacted] payment was received electronically without reference to an account or order number. Payments of this nature are periodically reviewed to see if sufficient information was provided to allow the payment to be matched to an account. Ms. [redacted] complaint was forwarded to Midnight Velvet's accounting department. Accounting was able to locate the payment and will process a refund for Ms. [redacted]. She should received the refund in the next 7-10 days.

Consumer

Response:

[A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response. If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. However, if I do not receive it with in the 7 to 10 days, I will be filling another complaint

Regards,

Review: I purchased a children's step stool from One Step Ahead approximately 2 years ago. Since that time, One Step Ahead has been purchased by Colony Brands. I initially contacted One Step Ahead / Colony Brands in the beginning of November 2015 to purchase and/or request replacement hardware for said step stool. After talking to several people and having the matter escalated I was told that there was one and only ONE individual who could process my request and that I would be contacted by that individual. To date I have NEVER heard from this individual. I have since called at least 10 times to inquire about my replacement hardware and/or a replacement of my step stool in total so that I would have the necessary parts. Each time, each individual gave me different information as to why I hadn't received a call and/or the requested hardware. At one point I was told the hardware was actually shipped by US mail and that I would receive it in 7-10 days. After waiting more than 10 days I again contacted One Step Ahead / Colony Brands and was told that it would work out best if I just purchased another step stool and, after receiving it, I should return the old step stool for a full credit. I was told this because the current step stool I do own does me no good without the necessary hardware. The website for One Step Ahead / Colony Brands states that I can return any item I purchase if I am not fully satisfied with the product. Therefore, I purchased another identical step stool on 12/1/15 and asked that the rep I made the purchase with put a note in my file that I would be returning the old step stool for a full refund once the new step stool was received. I received the new step stool on 12/4/15 and promptly called One Step Ahead / Colony Brands to request a pick up of the old, soon to be returned and refunded stool. I was told a UPS pick up would be scheduled. When I did not hear anything regarding a pick by Monday, 12/7/15, I again contact One Step Ahead / Colony Brands and was told yes, a UPS pick up was requested and that it would take 2 -5 business days for the pick up. Today is 12/8/15 and I contacted UPS to determine the date of pick up so that I could make the old step stool available for pick up off my front porch. I was told by UPS that no viable pick up has been scheduled. I again have been in contacted with One Step Ahead / Colony Brands, at least another 4 times this evening to determine further information for the pick up. On my last communication with One Step Ahead / Colony Brands this evening, I was again told that the issue has been escalated and that Sue would be contacting me tomorrow. I expressed again, as I have done in the past that I have no faith in One Step Ahead / Colony Brands to do the right, appropriate thing or even to contact me as I've been told they would contact me from the outset and that has NEVER happened. I am filing this complaint so as to receive a full refund for the additional stool purchased. If One Step Ahead / Colony Brands would like to pick up the old stool, I would be more than happy to supply it but I am not paying for 2 stools. I want a refund!Desired Settlement: I would like One Step Ahead / Colony Brands to issue a full refund for my purchase of the Kids Kitchen Helper Safety Tower Step Stool. I would like them to do so immediately as I feel I have waited long enough to receive satisfactory service.

Business

Response:

We received the correspondence from the Revdex.com in regards to an order placed prior to Colony Brands ownership of One Step Ahead. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience or disappointment you experienced with your request to replace the Kitchen Helper. Customer satisfaction is very important to us and we extend our apologies for the assistance you received, as this is not how we help solve our customers requests.

Review: Someone placed a fraudulent order in my name to Mongomery Ward. They sent me a letter asking for payment. I alerted them I DID NOT place the order and asked them to close the account and send me a letter stating the account had been opened fraudlently and is now closed.

They refused to send me such a letter.Desired Settlement: I would like a letter from Montgomery Ward stating the account had been opened fraudlently and is now closed.

Business

Response:

Montgomery Ward did not open an account in Mr. [redacted] name. The order and application for credit placed in Mr. [redacted] name was identified as potentially fraudulent upon receipt. A notice was sent to Mr. [redacted] indicating that the order would need to be paid in full before it could be shipped, i.e. no credit account would be opened for the purchase. There is, therefore, no account to close.Please note also that Montgomery Ward did not request or review a copy of Mr. [redacted] consumer credit report and that no information regarding this transaction has been or will be furnished to a consumer reporting agency.

Consumer

Response:

Montgomery Ward told me they couldn't send me a letter that this matter is closed. When all I wanted was a letter of confirmation that this order was closed and no further action would have to be addressed. I now have documentation that in case something was to arise, I have something to go back on and give to my Detective that's working on my fraud case.

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

Regards,

Review: Between Jan of 2014 through September 2015, there has been numerous attempts on checking my credit. I do not live in Wisconsin nor have ever been or to these two stores.

Midnight Velvet and Ginny's both have attempted to open credit in my name.Desired Settlement: Is this the same person and is there a credit line open in my name? If there is, than it is fraud.

Business

Response:

Ginny's and Midnight Velvet are catalog and online retailers that offer internal lines of credit to consumers to finance purchases. Each of the companies engages in customer acquisition activities, including pre-screening potential customers for the purpose of extending an offer of credit. Ginny's and Midnight Velvet have each pre-screened Ms. [redacted] in this manner. Ms. [redacted] was mailed catalogs from Ginny's and Midnight Velvet during the fall 2014 mailing campaign, each of which included a pre-approved credit offer of $250. The companies have conducted pre-screening for the fall 2015 campaign but have not completed mailing. Pre-screened inquiries appear in a separate section of a consumer credit report. These inquiries are viewable only by the consumer - not by other potential creditors. Moreover, they do not affect a consumer's credit score.

Review: I received credit with Ginny's for $250. I used it and Paid It Off. I had to complain to get my credit reestablished, as someone at that company refused to apply my payments towards my credit for pay off. When that was resolved, $150 credit limit increase, I placed a $206 order. Now with a $400 credit limit, they want a $206 down payment. When I inquired as to why (via Ginny's Facebook account), I was told "your account is on hold" because of Ginny's employees mistakes.Desired Settlement: Delivery of order... on the house., and termination from employment, the employee responsible.

Business

Response:

Mr. [redacted] requested closure of his account on February 12, 2016. He subsequently placed an order on his closed account on February 15, 2016, three more orders on February 17, 2016 and another on February 22, 2016. The order placed on 2/15 was held due to the closed account status. After speaking with Mr. [redacted], Ginny's released one of the orders placed on 2/17. The order placed on 2/22 is currently held in order corrections pending further contact with Mr. [redacted]. Ginny's has no plans to terminate the employment of the individual who complied with Mr. [redacted]' request to close his account to new purchases.

Consumer

Response:

Review: I called the company on 3/25 to pay off the account for my wife, [redacted]. At the top of the statement the new balance was $52.34 and it was due 4/5/2016. The lady on the phone stated the balance was 62.34, which I paid so that reporting to credit bureau would not occur. My compliant is that I paid more than the new balance and that if I did just pay the new balance even prior to the due date, we would have received another bill due to the companies act of accessing a late charge in the middle of a billing cycle instead of at the end. This is a deceptive practice.Desired Settlement: Desired outcome is a refund of the $10 paid in excess of the new balance via check or refund back to my credit card.

Business

Response:

Indiana state law (Ind. Code § 24-4.5-2-203.5(1)) prohibits the assessment of a late payment fee until a payment is 10 days overdue. If Mr. [redacted] is unhappy with that requirement he will have to address his concerns to the state legislator for his district.

Review: I started getting harassing phone calls ,and letters in the mail for a debt to be collected after I applied for a credit account awaiting a decision with their partner company Montgomerywards.com.They won't acknowledge that some one in the credit department mixed up my sister's and my information.We have the same five letters in our first names and we live at the same address.My sister had prior accounts in her name and under her social number for. Collections.when I applied for credit they took her accounts with her account number and put it under my name and social.They asked when I phoned them did I use her catalog to place a order.No I responded I did not and it has nothing to do with a catalog I applied for credit with my own name and social security number.And some one at this company put her old account number under my name and social.when the the account was originally in her name and social number. Before I tried to get a account. This company has unethical practices and I want my name clear so that my credit report is not jeopardized for their misconduct .They are trying to hold me accountable for my sisters debts when she infact is responsible.One service rep even told me I would have to get my sister to give a statement she's going to take responsibility for all the accounts that had been opened in the pass .To get my name clear those accounts were in my sisters [redacted] name before some one put it underneath mine the collections calls and letters were in regards to her ref acct [redacted].But now this same account number is under my name and social and they don't want to change it back in her name saying they can't do that.so the harassing calls are now asking for my name to collect a debt I never owed just tried to apply for credit and this whole mix up happen because of some ones mis hap.I did not even order any thing through Ginny's it was Montgomery wards but Ginny's keep harassing me for some one else's debt and wrong false information.Desired Settlement: I would like my name cleared and a stop to harassing calls and letters and for them to address the correct person in which the debt is to be collected,and an apology for the trouble,and to be reimburse for a notorized letter I have to go through the expense of getting for some thing they did wrong.

Business

Response:

Ginny's offers its apologies to [redacted] for the confusion regarding her sister's account. The information on the account has now been corrected.

Consumer

Response:

Review: I use to have catalog accounts with Colony Brands and their affiliated companies (Ginnys, Grandpointe, Midnight Velvet, Monroe & Main, Montgomery Ward, &th Avenue and Throught the Country Door). I was irresponsible and was unable to pay them. All of my accounts ended up getting charged-off as of 09/2012. However, I was able to pay all balances in full to satisfy the debts. This year, I have mailed countless letters to Colony Brands asking them to forgive the charge-offs and as a sign of good-will, delete the negative marks from all credit reporting agencies. Not once have I received a response.

This year, I have been more responsible with my finances. These negative marks have made it diffiult for me to make an attempt to improve my credit. I would even like to restore my relationship with Colony Brands, if they can satisfy my request by making the good-will adjustments.Desired Settlement: Removal of negative items from credit reporting agencies.

Business

Response:

Please note that [redacted] has not filed a complaint. She has, instead, routed a request through the Revdex.com for Ginny’s, GrandPointe, Midnight Velvet, Monroe and Main, Montgomery Ward, 7th Avenue and Through the Country Door (“Companies”) to delete accurate information regarding her accounts from her consumer credit file.

Review: In December I ordered ( Swiss Colony Order Confirmation (#[redacted] several items on line from:

The Swiss Colony 1112 7th Ave.Monroe, WI 53566-1364 When I received my merchandise, one of the packages had been opened and anitem had been removed. The item in question is: Gift AC221, a 2 pound fruit cake in the amount of $27.95. Over the course of a two weeks I sent a tpotal of 4 e-mail messages (copies available on request) indicating I had nt receivedthe above item. These messages went un nswered. In fact they were not recognized at all.On my last mesage asking for the e-mail address for the Company's CEO did I finally get a response. I was informed tht I would have to contact the CEO usingthe US Postal Service. I was also informed if I had a problem to inidcate by responig to the same message. I indicated but so far I have been avoided. All I want if for The Swiss Colony to adjust my bill and indicate the amount of $27.95 has ben removed from my bill and I will not be responsible for it. Thank you for your assistance. [redacted] Customer Account No: [redacted]Desired Settlement: see above complaint

Business

Response:

We received the correspondence

from the Revdex.com regarding your order #[redacted] placed via

internet on 12/13/13. We are sincerely sorry for the problems you experienced

with your order and subsequent attempts at

communication.

Review: I ordered from this company the first time last Christmas because it seemed a good way to send gifts at the time, I was wrong. The food portions are extremely small and nothing special and highly over priced. I was embarrassed that I had shipped some to family that year as a gift. The first order was to come with a free shipment to me of Macadamia nuts, I never got them, I e-mailed them and they told me I would get them I still did not. I had thought about not paying the outrageous bill for this low rate product , but I did any way. And they keep billing me , and calling me , I sent a copy of all the records including the payment they received and processed and still they bill me a bit higher each month. They will not respond to my letters or documents at all. I guess my next move is an attorney.Desired Settlement: When I sent a check for the full amount I sent a letter that stated in accepting my check that my account to be closed and paid in full. That is all I want to see is a zero balance and stop calling or contacting me .

Business

Response:

We received the correspondence from the Revdex.com regarding your order #[redacted] placed 12/10/2013 via internet. We are sincerely sorry to hear that we have disappointed a first time customer.

Review: Since the beginning of January 2015, I have repeatedly received calls from [redacted]. If I choose not to answer, the robot operator leaves a voice mail stating she is calling from Seventh Avenue and leaves a message for a woman named "Opal". I have also answered the call several times and have advised several operators that my name is not Opal, I do not have an account with Seventh Avenue, that the number they are calling is my cell phone number, and that this particular number has been my number for at least 15 years. I have been told at least five times that my number is being removed from their records, but the calls keep coming. (To date, my records show that I have received at least 30 calls.)Desired Settlement: I want Seventh Avenue to stop calling my phone.

Business

Response:

Seventh Avenue offers its apologies to Ms. [redacted] for any inconvenience she may have experienced as a result of this matter. "Opal" provided the telephone number on Ms. [redacted]'s complaint as her own when she opened a Seventh Avenue account in November of 2014. The number has been removed from the account record to prevent any further calls to Ms. [redacted].

Consumer

Response:

[A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response. If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. I will contact the Revdex.com if I hear from this business again.

Regards,

Review: On 6/24/15 I placed an order (Order#[redacted] for a handbag with Monroe and Main. It was my first time ever placing an order with this company. Upon receiving the handbag (6/30/15, it was much larger than what the picture indicated,and was not satisfactory. I returned the bag (6/31/15). I also placed an order for a pair of shoes on 6/24/15 (Order#[redacted]), but I received a notice via email that the shoes were on back-order(7/18/15), so I called to cancel the order for the shoes. I have now received a bill that indicates a charge for shipping for the handbag as well as the shoes - but the shoes were never shipped to me because I cancelled the order! I received a bill on 8/15/15 in the amount of $18.90 and I definitely dispute this! I feel that I am not responsible for any charges, however, I would be willing to pay the $7.95 shipping charge for the handbag. I will send you a copy of the bill in question.Desired Settlement: That I pay only the $7.95 for the shipping on the returned handbag (I don't feel I should have to pay that either)and then to have no further contact with Monroe and Main ever!

Business

Response:

We received the correspondence from the Revdex.com regarding your orders #[redacted] and #[redacted] placed 6/24/2015 via internet. We are sorry for any confusion regarding your statement and appreciate the opportunity to explain.

Review: I returned a Ice Maker Machine to Montgomery Ward because after 3 months the item no longer produced Ice and no longer worked. So I called and ask for an exchange for a new one but instead I received a credit for the money I paid for it via my monthly credit and they credited me for the balance on my credit with them. So when I tried to order something else with the $257 credit I had established with them they refused to process my new order and cancelled my credit I had with them. I don't believe this is right. They denied me the credit they initially had given to me because I returned their product to them that was not working properly. If their product was shabby and not made well, why should I be penalized for this? Now they are saying I have bad debt. But this is not true. I paid them in full with a debt consolidation program and now am trying to reestablish my credit with them and others. I feel they are not being fair in the way they handled this. I would like to do something about this. Thank you kindly.Desired Settlement: I would like to see my credit with them to be restored. It was not an issue of my having bad credit but the problem is their product was not made well. I'd also like to receive a letter of apology too.

Business

Response:

Ms. [redacted]s order was held due to some confusion regarding a previously opened Montgomery Ward account. This issue has been resolved and Ms. [redacted]s order will be released for shipment. Ward's offers Ms. [redacted] its sincere apologies for any inconvenience she may have experienced as a result of this matter.

Consumer

Response:

[A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response. If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

Regards,