THIS BUSINESS IS NOT BBB ACCREDITED

Coastline Products, LLC

(800) 505-7040 2222 Avenue of Stars, Suite 702E, Century City, CA 90067

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Description

This company's business is sale of vapor cigarettes.

BBB Accreditation

This business is not BBB Accredited.

Businesses are under no obligation to seek BBB accreditation, and some businesses are not accredited because they have not sought BBB accreditation.

To be accredited by BBB, a business must apply for accreditation and BBB must determine that the business meets BBB accreditation standards, which include a commitment to make a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints. BBB Accredited Businesses must pay a fee for accreditation review/monitoring and for support of BBB services to the public.

Reason for Rating

BBB rating is based on 16 factors. Get the details about the factors considered.

Factors that lowered this business's rating include:

Length of time business has been operating176 complaint(s) filed against businessAdvertising issue(s) found by BBB

Factors that raised this business's rating include:

Response to complaint(s) filed against businessResolution of complaint(s) filed against businessBBB has sufficient background information on this business

Customer Complaints Summary

176 complaints closed with BBB in last 3 years | 62 closed in last 12 months
Complaint Type Total Closed Complaints
Advertising / Sales Issues 53
Billing / Collection Issues 69
Problems with Product / Service 39
Delivery Issues 9
Guarantee / Warranty Issues 6
Total Closed Complaints 176

Additional Complaint Information

Complainants allege unauthorized credit card charges in connection with the free trial offer. Customers complain that they agree to a trial offer and authorize shipping and handling fees; however, their accounts are charged or debited an additional $70. A few other complainants report the product is not effective as a cessation device, or that they experienced difficulties with canceling the product shipments and receiving refunds. The company responds to all complaints by issuing refunds or partial refunds, or advising complainants they must return product shipments in order to be eligible for a refund.

Complaint Details | Definitions | BBB Complaint Process | File a Complaint

  • Government Actions

    BBB has no information regarding government actions at this time.

    What government actions does BBB report on?

  • Advertising Review

    On April 16, 2010 we wrote to this company asking them to substantiate website claims that their product was tobacco free and evidence of clinical studies concerning the safety of specific product additives. The company was been given 10 days to respond. On April 23, 2010 we were contacted by the company and advised they would submit the requested information within 10 days. On April 24, 2010 the company provided Analytical test results which appear to substantiate that the product is tobacco free. Additional issues of the review concerning the safety of chemical additives remain pending. On May 5, 2010 the company agreed to display a warning or disclaimer on their website concerning possible safety issues with the product's chemical additives. As of our last verification on 7/6/2010 no warning was displayed.

    What is BBB Advertising Review?

Additional Information

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100090259
BBB file opened: 12/22/2009 Business started: 1/2/2006
Contact Information
David Pourmand - President
    Malcolm McNiel (Agent for Service of Process)
Number of Employees

50

Business Category

Tobacco Products Retail

Alternate Business Names
Coastline Products, LLCSmoke AssistUMG Edge
Alternate Web Sites
Industry Tips
This company sells a nicotine free electronic cigerette or e-cigerette. The e-cigarette is a battery-powered device that provides inhaled doses of a nicotine substitute by way of a vaporized solution. The device is advertised as a smoking cessation device and is offered as a 30 day trial offer club membership. Respondents are asked to pay $9.95 for shipping and handling. If not satisfied with the product, they are instructed to call and cancel, and send back the product to avoid additional charges. If the cancellation does not occur within the specified time period, respondents are automatically enrolled in an auto ship program which sends members additional supplies of filters on a monthly basis.

Before agreeing to trial offers, make sure that you have all the facts on any conditions that may be associated with the offer. Although the company's offer is advertised as free, the charge imposed for shipping and handling of the product, ($9.95) actually makes the offer NOT free. Once your credit card number has been provided to cover shipping and handling, it will remain on file with the seller for shipping and billing purposes. If you forget to cancel, or for any reason fail to do so, your card number is readily available to bill for your first shipment of product.

FTC Guidelines for advertising this type of offer require that all terms and conditions of the offer, as well as cancellation instructions, be clearly and conspicuously displayed in at least 10 point type before asking for payment or obtaining the customer's consent. Clearly and conspicuously means, NOT disclosed in microscopic print accessed by a web link to another site, but rather, disclosed along with the free trial solicitation. Regardless, many consumers overlook the advisory, and are unaware of the charge until their next monthly credit card statement. In this company's case, some consumers complain they are unable to cancel services by using the instruction provided by the company. Industry guidelines require marketers to provide a fast easy method of canceling, either by mail, phone, or website.

Most credit card issuers will allow the cardholder 60 days to dispute an unauthorized or inaccurate charge. Review your monthly statement carefully. If you discover a charge which is unfamiliar, investigate and dispute the amount with your card issuer as soon as possible to protect yourself from making unwanted purchases.