The Better Business Bureau in Central California announced its “Dirty Dozen” list today of the worst rated businesses in the area for 2009.

In Central California 4,563 complaints were received in 2009 against local businesses that have either failed to respond to consumer complaints in a timely manner, left them unresolved or that did not meet customer’s satisfaction.

A high-profile local company that landed a spot on the list is Big Happie Hair, the Fresno-based maker of the popular hair volumizer known as Bumpits.

The BBB gave them a grade of F because they received eight complaints from consumers in 2009 regarding billing issues and left two unresolved.

The company’s founder and owner, Kelly Fitzpatrick, says that her company has worked with customers and even gone as far as giving away product to resolve customer complaints. 

“We’ve sold 9 million sets so for there to be only eight complaints I’m patting myself on the back,” she said.

Messages were left with other companies on the list seeking comment. When contacted, a representative for Tower Pest Control in Fresno declined to comment.

She said the complaints that have gone unresolved are from customers who’ve received free sets and received full refunds but refused to remove their complaint regardless.

The following businesses have also been listed on the “Dirty Dozen”:

Master Internet Profits, Fresno — BBB Grade: F

This Internet marketing company capitalized on the slow economy by attracting consumers to work-at-home employment. Consumers reported to the BBB that they were promised the prospect of earning big bucks through the Internet but failed to deliver the training materials they claimed. The company’s operations manager, Ezequiel Carlos, could not be reached for comment by Business Journal staff regarding the 24 complaints received by the BBB in 2009.

KickzandGear, Fresno — BBB Grade: F

This online store for logo sportswear and sneakers received complaints from disappointed consumers alleging problems with delivery, quality and attitude brought KickzandGear into the Hall of Shame.  The company had 13 complaints in 2009.

The Allergy Center, Clovis — BBB Grade: D-

This vacuum dealer used high-pressure sales tactics and ignored the 3-day cooling off period, the company has numerous contract disputes and unhappy customers who told the BBB they were either unable to contact The Allergy Center or couldn’t obtain a refund. Its owner, John Van Horn, left calls from Business Journal staff unreturned regarding the 12 BBB complaints.

Fresno Wedding Chapel, Fresno — BBB grade: F

Planning issues, lack of paid-for-photographs and marriage licenses that weren’t filed in a timely fashion all combined to create less than happily-ever-after bridal experiences reported by consumers.  Fresno Wedding Chapel and its owner, Rev. Karl Jordan, had 10 complaints in 2009.

RMR Group, Fresno — BBB grade: F

This loan modification company reportedly has taken customers money with a promise to save their homes and then cannot be reached for further information. The result has been seven complaints in 2009.  

Vacation Marketing, Fresno — BBB grade: F  

Consumers alleged that this vacation time-share company in Fresno distributed coupon certificates in return for a processing fee and then did not deliver vacations that were paid for. Mike Brandon is the owner of Vacation Marketing, which had 11 complaints in 2009.

Tower Pest Control, Fresno — BBB grade: F

Consumers claim that they called this pest control company for a one-time service and signed what they thought was an offer for a free follow-up visit.  Unfortunately, they had signed a one-year contract that the company wasn’t anxious to cancel, despite repeated requests.  Owner William Davenport declined to comment when reached by Business Journal staff regarding the eight complaints received by the BBB.

Central California Spas, Bakersfield — BBB Grade: D-

This spa and hut tub dealer promised the soothing luxury of home spas but customers advised the BBB that the company only delivered stress and aggravation in the form of missing parts, faulty equipment and less-than-responsive customer service. Erick Johnson is the owner of the dealer, which received 23 complaints in 2009.  

Micro-Gems.net, Bakersfield — BBB Grade: F

Customers of this magazine sales company discovered that their credit cards were charged in a timely manner for their subscriptions, but delivery didn’t follow despite repeated assurances that the company “would look into” the problems. Micro-Gems.net had 17 unanswered complaints in 2009.

Ashley Furniture, Bakersfield — BBB Grade: F

Besides some advertising issues involving gifts with purchase, many consumers found that they didn’t have any complaints about the quality of the furniture because they reported that they couldn’t get it delivered.  Waits of up to three months and more caused frustrated buyers to request refunds, which brought even more delays. Russ Carter is general manager of the store, which received 12 complaints in 2009.

Open Grave Records, California City — BBB grade: F

Consumers of this Internet shopping company reported that they ordered cds, t-shirts and other merchandise and paid for it but never received what they order. They received seven complaints in 2009.