Complaint Review: BIZ Builder.Com George Massalas - Simi Valley California

Bonnie- Sorry to hear that you were ripped off too. Check out www.ebayersthatsuck.com Search Biz Builders, and you will find another place to post your grievance. I filed a report with The Federal Trade Commision, The California Attorney General, and ebay's mediating service. You may want to do the same. Good luck, and I hope this gets resolved for us and every one else ripped off by him.

Now that you are aware of another customer defrauded, make HIM aware of the situation. Seriously, send him a copy of this Rip-off Report, a photocopy of your receipt for repairs, and your intial payment, certified. I hope you photographed the violin, as received. I did not realize violins were available at such a low price; however no matter how low the price, they can't sell damaged goods, without some kind of warning. The "Buyer Beware" crap does not excuse con games and theft. Can you give us the name of the manufacturer? Maybe you can contact them. My parents got me an imitation Stradivarius (horribly misspelled), that was made in Japan. They got it from a pawn shop. Don't know how much they paid. The original author has not replied, so the contact information may or may not be effective. Just the same, it can't hurt to try. Send that ceritfied letter, and bill for the mailing cost as well. Add a "CC List"* at the end of your letter, so he is aware of all who get copies. Starting with: Mr. ED Magedson Editor of Rip-off Report The Federal Trade Commission A lawyer or attorney friend Better Business Bureau-your region BBB-His region Anyone else you can think of You don't have to send certified letters to all, and not necessarily copies to each one. It depends on how much time you have to invest. Try for that refund. Hope this helps. Consumer Advocate Rip-off Report Volunteer

I purchased a violin for the same price and same shipping. The violin was damaged upon receipt. The strings were just dangling and split; chin guard was broken off. I contacted the owner also and he was unwilling to work with me either. I ended up taking the violin to a repair shop and spent an additional $100 on repairs. The violin was purchased a birthday present for my 13 year GodDaughter.

The address you gave is consistent with all other listings, but the "business classification" is unclear. Mr. Massalas has evidently told the BBB that he runs a print shop; yet he turns around to sell you a violin? One has nothing to do with the other. It is important to read the "fine print", because this will have a bearing on what kind of refund you are entitled to receive. There were also some things I was unclear on. What was the quality of packaging for the violin?, and how much were you charged for "shipping and handling"? Did he offer "SHIPPING INSURANCE"? I am curious about the 100% guarantee. I believe what you are saying, but have issues with HIS fine print. Obviously no business should have to accept a damaged product returned, but does he detail what TYPE of damage is not covered? You have the "BRIDGE" missing and a "FINE TUNER KNOB" missing as well! Missing parts do not equate damage, and you will need to emphasize this in the process of collecting your refund. ALL of this should take place in writing a certified insured signature required letter. I really think you should confront him, at least one more time. I used to play violin. You cannot play a violin with a missing bridge. If you cannot tune the violin, might as well not play it. Those parts are vital to the full assembly of the violin. Again, missing parts DO NOT DEFINE damage. Missing parts are closer to THEFT. This is what you have to get through his thick skull. He has to honor that warranty. Before any of this, change all of your account information. Who knows what he might try next. He has his own website. He is the Administrative contact. There were some extra numbers, but I think you may want to send that letter out, in tandem with one more phone call, IF you feel up to it. Here is one other number: 1-805-582-1236, this is also listed as his FAX. I guess if you can't get through, it's the fax number. A lot of small businesses tie their fax, into the same line as the phone. Here is an email for what it's worth: [email protected] You might also consider accessing www.ebayersthatsuck.com This is a place for consumers and auctioneers who report their complaints to a messageboard that ebayers view. They exchange information, and warn about corrupt businesses or individuals. A membership is required, but it's cost free. How did he justify a missing "Bridge"? He must not know what components are required for a violin, so he thinks he can get away with something. Wicked. Well, I hope this helps. Hey, mail him a copy of this Report!