Business ProfileforThe Variety Shop

On 09-08-2016, BBB began an investigation of The Variety Shop based on a report by a business of similar name and an emerging pattern of complaints.  At that time, BBB had received a total of five (5) complaints, and the letters BBB sent by US Postal Service had been returning as undeliverable.  BBB continues to receive a number of complaints each week which are being closed as "Unpursuable" because the business does not appear to exist.  All of these complaints have the same general pattern: the consumer's order would be placed online with the company; consumers would received no confirmation of the order; the payment for that order would be withdrawn from their accounts within 1-2 days; no shipment of the purchase would be made; and consumers have no information allowing contact with the business' customer service.  

BBB warns consumers to try limiting their purchase activity to businesses they know or are confident about legitimacy.  Consumers should also use credit cards, not debit cards, to make purchases because of the fraud protection provided by major credit card institutions.  Predatory behavior continues to be a problem in the marketplace, and those that practice it are continuing to increase in sophistication,  If there is any question or doubt, we recommend contacting your BBB regarding businesses from whom they intend to make a purchase, especially those businesses that are strictly found online.  In addition, BBB Business Reviews continue to be a valuable resource, and remain free to the consumer.