Several area consumers allege a Lincoln-based business is collecting deposits for electronic installation, but failing to deliver completed projects, Better Business Bureau warns.
BBB is urging consumers to be cautious when paying deposits for electronic projects to
Impact Audio and Video after five consumers complain the company did not complete electronic installation jobs.
“He asked for money upfront for supplies and never completed the job,” said an Elk Grove woman who has been waiting over three months for her project to be completed. “I paid all this money for a home theater system I can’t use.”
A Vacaville man claimed his home theater system stopped working the day after the company installed it. “He did sloppy work, did not clean up after himself, and once he got the money he was completely unavailable,” said the consumer. “He is totally fine with accepting money for something he did not deliver, and accepting money for terrible work.”
A consumer in Lincoln claimed the company offered to consign his television and receiver after completing an installation job for him. “He sold the television for $1,099 and has never given me anything for it,” he said.
Impact Audio & Video, also known as “
AV Pros”, currently has an “F” rating with Better Business Bureau for failing to respond to three complaints in a 36 month period. The company responded to one complaint by stating he would complete the job. Two consumers claim they won judgments against the company in small claims court, but have not received the awarded amounts.
“Background checking is number one when you agree to do business with anyone,” said Gary Almond, president of BBB serving northeast California. “Know who you’re dealing with, whether they have the proper licensing and the laws pertaining to the line of work being performed.”
BBB offers the following tips on selecting an installer of electronic products in your home:
• When hiring for a repair or installation job costing more than $500, ensure the company is licensed by California Contractors State License Board.
• Check out the company’s license with the CSLB. Look for any actions reported on the license. If the contractor has employees, make sure the company has worker’s compensation insurance.
• Ensure the contract includes an estimated start and finish date, a schedule of payments to be made and a detailed description of work to be done.
• A down payment should typically be no more than 10 percent of the total price or $1,000, whichever is less. In some cases, a contractor may have obtained a Blanket Performance and Payment Bond which allows them to charge more than the aforementioned.
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For more information on this news release, contact Cailin Peterson at 916-443-6843.
