Complaint Review: CENTRAL COAST NUTRACEUTICALS - Tempe Arizona

Yesterday afternoon, I received a direct telephone call from Graham D. Gibson, in response to presumably my providing this site with his telephone number and direct email.

He apologized profusely for the difficulty everyone is having getting through to the customer service base and explained that due to the huge response to the advertising, they are completely overwhelmed. However, he also felt it was okay to have people sit on hold for an hour or more. Not. He told me that they are working on getting a new phone system set up, but obviously it is of more financial benefit to the company to rake in as much money as they can and to make it difficult if not impossible to get them on the phone.

He tells me that the Arizona Attorney General receives complaints about his company constantly, but they always close their file. As I have no way of knowing if this is true, I would encourage everyone to continue to file complaints at the Attorney General's site.

We discussed the extremely deceptive and misleading language in the terms and conditions of the initial free trial offer - he tells me that a wonderful firm of lawyers did this for him. As someone who has worked with lawyers for over 20 years, I suggested that he fire them, and come up with something more honest and straightforward, so consumers will understand what it is they are getting into. He said he would give that some thought. I rather doubt that he will, as obviously this is trapping people into this odd deal, where the upsell takes place.

As far as the use of Oprah Winfrey's image, again a brisk discussion, after which he admitted that Oprah may have mentioned the ingredients of their products in some show, but in no way, shape or form, does she endorse this company. Apparently, Harpo have been in touch with them, and they will be taking down her image.

While we were talking, he informed me that 225 people were on hold, waiting to speak with a customer service representative. I told him that was completely ridiculous. He appeared to agree with me. Once again, he reiterated that they are overwhelmed, and he has asked his advertisers to reduce the amount of internet exposure they have, as they simply cannot keep up with orders. As to the veracity of this statement, I only have his word for it.

My money has been refunded in full.

He asked me to please remove his phone number from this site, but I am unable to do so, unless someone from Ripoff.com can. I asked him why he did not come over here and rebut the complaints, and attempt to explain what problems they are having, but he informed me that this site would charge him $15,000 to do so. I'd be interested in learning if this is true.

Bottom line, my feeling is still caveat emptor (buyer beware) with Central Coast. Keep hammering at the Arizona Attorney General until they sit down with Mr. Gibson and straighten out exactly what is going on. He sounded like a reasonable human being during our conversation, but the best indicator of future behavior is past behavior, imo. Let's see if he accomplishes this upgrade of their phone system and hires more local people from the Arizona area to man the lines. I think if the pressure keeps on from the consumer level, he'll do one of two things. Improve his customer service by about 500% or simply go out of business.

It's up to you guys. Take it to the Attorney General is my suggestion and dispute all charges with your bank and your credit card companies. You may print this out and use it in your claim.

Mewsical

North Hollywood, California

U.S.A.