Dear Do-It Man: On June 1, I sent a check for $11.95 to Durable Hosiery in Nashville, Tenn., for four pairs of queen-size beige pantyhose. I have not received the hosiery. I rarely order anything by mail but had had success with this company earlier.
I sent the company copies of my check. I even called it. Still no stockings. The company actually owes me five pairs of pantyhose. I had ordered four pairs before Easter last year and received them in three or four weeks. But one of them had black lines through them that looked like snags. I returned that pair and asked for another pair in suntan, one size smaller than queen.It isn't the money so much as the pantyhose. I wear them all the time and they are non-run and last six months.
- A.M., Salt Lake City
Dear A.L.: We mailed your complaint to the company the first of February and have not yet received a response.
To find out as much as we could about the company, we contacted the Better Business Bureau of Nashville/Middle Tennessee. It sent us a three-page report.
The report said the BBB no longer accepts complaints against the company, called American Industries Inc., but also known as American Fulfillment Corp. and American Direct Marketing Inc. It suggests that people with complaints send them to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, 701 Broadway, Room 300, Nashville, TN 37203.
"The bureau has received a substantial number of customer complaints involving this company," says the report. "Complaints . . . have primarily alleged nondelivery of ordered merchandise; dissatisfaction with the quality of merchandise; difficulty in obtaining refunds; and defective merchandise."
The report says the bureau has repeatedly contacted the company regarding complaints. The firm has responded to the majority of complaints and has offered to issue refunds or credit the customer. In other instances the firm has offered to reship merchandise, says the BBB. But the bureau says the volume of complaints it receives against the company has not diminished.
"The BBB has concluded that processing additional complaints would be counterproductive. The bureau regrets that it is unable to assist consumers who have unresolved complaints against this company," says the report.
The bureau lists affiliates of this company as Media Group Inc.; National Communications Corp.; Howe Plastics & Chemicals; Howe Co.; Howe Laboratories Inc.; Howe Chemicals Inc.; Crescent Industries and Media Marketing.
Trade names and product names affiliated with the company include: American Labs; Durable Products; Color 'N Shine; HC 7000; Miracle Steamer; National Outlet; Neutra-Plak; Pearly White; Window Magic; Seal-O-Matic; Glo Coat; Garden Genie; American Travel Club; Duralube; Glass Shield; Durable Hosiery; Instant White; Mitey Mixer; Never-Run Panty Hose; Pearl Essence; TV Dish Antenna; Window Maid; Color Match; Swift Stitch; Juice Master.