People are being alerted on the unscrupulous business practices of Melbourne Works, a joinery company based in Moala Street, Samabula where the Consumer Council of Fiji has received 114 complaints against them since 2019.
The Council says complaints amount to nearly half a million dollars in monetary value.
They say complaints against Melbourne Works highlight a consistent pattern of consumer exploitation and unethical business conduct.
The Council says many customers have reported paying deposits or full amounts for services such as kitchen cabinets, granite tops, renovations, and other joinery works, only to find that Melbourne Works fails to complete the work or deliver the products.
They say even in instances where Melbourne Works does complete the job, the quality of work is often substandard and does not meet the promised specifications.
The Council says Melbourne Works is known for making false commitments about project completion dates, which are rarely adhered to, causing significant inconvenience and frustration for customers.
They say consumers have found it exceedingly difficult to get in touch with Melbourne Works regarding their complaints and calls and communications are frequently ignored, leaving customers without recourse.
They say in cases where Melbourne Works fails to complete the work, they have consistently refused to refund the money paid by customers, further aggravating their distress.
Council CEO Seema Shandil says they condemn these unethical practices which has become evident given the growing number of complaints against Melbourne Works.
She says the Council is deeply troubled by the continuous reports of Melbourne Works unethical practices.
Shandil says it is unacceptable for a company to repeatedly fail its customers, deliver substandard work, and avoid accountability.
The CEO says they urge consumers to exercise caution and refrain from engaging with Melbourne Works until these issues are resolved.
The Council advises consumers to conduct thorough research and seek recommendations before engaging any service providers.
They say in light of the numerous complaints and the significant financial impact on affected consumers, the Council emphasizes the importance of vigilance and informed decision-making when it comes to choosing contractors and service providers.
They are encouraging consumers who have encountered issues with Melbourne Works or any other service provider to lodge a formal complaint with the Council.
We have sent questions to the Council on what action is being taken and if the matter has been reported to the authorities.
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