Manuel's Mercedes Deceptive Sales & False Advertising Marietta, Georgia

 I often wonder at the motive of anyone taking this long to respond to a report. In this case of the "ex-employee" about two years (???).  Further, it is my understanding that Manuel's Mercedes Benz ("MMB") is either no longer in business or has moved from the location listed. Also, the company is NOT BBB Accredited. Lastly, the ex-employee referenced something about the trade of clothing (??). What relevance does the sell of clothing have to do with a BBB complaint about MMB made by a Consumer(s)? Go figure.  Thus, I will let the readers make up their own minds regarding which of us digressed to a less than factual outline of the matter described in 2010. 

So that we all might have some closure and possible enlightenment of any other issues, I have contacted the following office:

Council of Better Business Bureaus
Attn: Office of the CEO
4200 Wilson Blvd, Ste 800
Arlington, VA 22203-1838
PH# 1 (703) 276-0100
FX# 1 (703) 525-8277

~ Mic

Author has embellished story, as well as knowingly provided False information regarding BBB Atlanta ratings for this well established Atlanta company. The BBB rates Manuels an A+; there were not four complaints from women. While I was still at the company, she slipped and told me she had driven the Expedition several thousand miles. I feel so strongly the Expeditions are good, solid, safe and reliable family vehicles, that I  sold yet another 2005 eddie Bauer Expedition to a neighbor, who is still driving it with well over 105k miles! This same woman  became irritated that I did not purchase her son's used jeans and sneakers, which were not the type my sons would wear. I would appreciate my last name being removed from this report, to protect my privacy. Thank you.

Basically, the company involved ("MMS") never made an attempt to resolve the issue. MMS lied to the consumer. And, they failed to even contact BBB even after being warned that the case would be closed and it could hurt their rating. When the case closed they were given an "F" rating. Low and behold, the BBB re-opens the case. The company says they will contact the consumer. Did they? NO. Did the consumer tell this to BBB? Yes. Does the consumer have evidence of her interaction with BBB? YES. Would they BBB have reopened the case for the consumer? Hmmmmm, me thinks NOT!!

Our advice to BBB is:  "Stop lying and covering up for these businesses and allowing them to CHEAT CONSUMERS!!"

Below is our complaint on behalf of the consumer to the BBB Council--which , as of 2/9/10, is currently closed due to inclement whether in the Washington DC area.

The Council of Better Business Bureaus

4200 Wilson Blvd, Suite 800 Arlington, 

VA 22203-1838

Dear BBB Council:

   On 12/04/09, after making exhaustive efforts to resolve an issue with an auto dealer, Ms. Keyoshi Hill filed a complaint against the dealership (Manuels Mercedes Sales MMS) with BBB Atlanta, GA ("BBB"). The complaint included repair and advertising issues. Ms. Hill was thorough and timely, meeting every deadline set by BBB ahead of time. However, after numerous attempts by the BBB to resolve the issue with MMS, the company failed to respond to the BBB at all. The case was closed on 1/15/10 by BBB and the company was given an "F" rating.

   BBB re-opened the case on 1/25/10 at the request of the auto company, which promised to contact Ms. Hill. They did not. MMS only contacted the BBB with concerns about the F rating. However, the BBB gave this company a B rating and administratively closed the case. It is now an A- rating. Below is the official report on BBB.org:

Repair Issues

Administratively Closed 1 - BBB determined that despite the company's reasonable effort to address complaint issues, the consumer remained dissatisfied.

This is not only an outright falsehood, it is outrageous that the BBB advocates for better business practices and then does something like this to a single mother of four who did everything by BBB's guidelines! Ms. Hill even sent a certified letter to MMS on 12/05/09. This was before she had even contacted BBB. On the other hand, MMS can not show any proof that they responded, or attempted to get back in touch with Ms. Hill after the case was re-opened!

Further, where is BBBs correspondence to Ms. Hill showing that MMS attempted to resolve this matter or contact her? MMS failed to contact BBB from about the middle of December 2009 until the end of January 2010. BBB provided Ms. Hill with documentation showing their numerous efforts to contact MMS by telephone, email, and US Postal Mail. If MMS ignored BBB, why would BBB take their word that they attempted to contact Ms. Hill?

Ms. Hill also taped conversations she had with MMS previous to her complaint with BBB. She informed the BBB representative about the taping in writing. Moreover, the BBB representative told Ms. Hill from the beginning that MMS seemed deceptive and inferred that they had other complaints against them for taking advantage of other consumers; especially females. Ms. Hill was told by BBB to come in strong in presenting her case. She did. My finding is that BBB has knowingly posted a false statement against this consumer. BBBs own reports show that the MMS DID NOT respond to them, or the consumer. It also shows that Ms. Hill contacted the BBB representative almost daily by telephone or email to see if MMS had responded because she wanted her vehicle repaired or swapped out as promised by MMS.

Someone at BBB needs to do the right thing toward this young mother of four and not just give her the run-around! This is not how you make business better! BBBs actions seem to show that MMS does not have a majority on deceptive and dishonest business practices.

Mic, Advocate

micbowie@cableone.net