Nationwide Business Concepts

All of you who DID not order toner from these creeps. The law clearly states, and this is from the Federal Trade Commission website:

Whether or not the Rule is involved, in any approval or other sale you must obtain the customer’s prior express agreement to receive the merchandise. Otherwise the merchandise may be treated as unordered merchandise. It is unlawful to:

1. Send any merchandise by any means without the express request of the recipient (unless the merchandise is clearly identified as a gift, free sample, or the like); or,

2. Try to obtain payment for or the return of the unordered merchandise.

Merchants who ship unordered merchandise with knowledge that it is unlawful to do so can be subject to civil penalties of up to $16,000 per violation. Moreover, customers who receive unordered merchandise are legally entitled to treat the merchandise as a gift. Using the U.S. mails to ship unordered merchandise also violates the Postal laws.

So if they continue to send you toner and you didn't order it, consider that a gift. When they try to collect, just tell them you've got all the details of their shady operation and you'll be filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

Review: My name as well as the name of our company, [redacted] Inc has been found by a company called Nationwide Business Solutions. We have a service/supply contract with a local company. Our office constantly gets phone calls from "national office supply companies" trying to win over our business, and I am the person who answers the phone about 90% of the time. I consistently turn down anyone who is not already contracted through us, or a local business. We pride ourselves on shopping and keeping our business local. The company Nationwide Business Concepts has sent us an invoice stating that we owe them $489.25 for a single toner cartridge. There is no one in our office that remembers getting this in the mail. The company sent us a "UPS" "proof of Delivery, in which the signature is so blacked out, we can only barely make out a few lines, and the "signed by" area says "[redacted]". Our office has no one here by the first or last name of [redacted]. When trying to contact "Nationwide Business Concepts" we have gotten through a single time out of approx 15 tries, we were told that we must return it in the original container, or we would have to pay for it. After doing some digging around no one in our office remembers signing for anything, and we cannot get back a hold of the company. I have left message after message trying to find out more but am not receiving any response. I would like to get this resolved, and will not be paying $489.25 for a container of toner when we have a Toner & Service contract through a local company (pacific office equipment) on top of that, a container of toner is approx $20-$30 regularly. No where near the price they are charging us for something no one remembers getting.Desired Settlement: I would like to speak with the company and get this issue resolved. I would also like for this $489.25 charge to disappear because we ordered and received nothing.

Business

Response:

A return authorization was issued to [redacted]. Once the supplies have been returned the account will be closed it.

Review: Nationwide Business Concepts sent us product we DID NOT order. They somehow copied an order from one of our suppliers thinking we would not find out. We return product to them but they still want payment.Desired Settlement: Never send us any product and cancel their invoice [redacted].

Business

Response:

The supplies have been returned and the account is closed out.

Review: We received an invoice on 7/28/14 from the company and mistakenly paid it. Per the invoice we paid, it says that "once payment has been processed product will be shipped within 48 hours...". We mistakenly paid the invoice and once we realized it was a mistake we attempted to contact the company. We NEVER received what we were billed for on the invoice (1 toner cartridge). The response I received was a shipment in a large box that contained a pair of ear buds. We then received a shipment containing 3 toner cartridges. NO ONE in our office could figure out why we were receiving these cartridges. I then received an invoice on 9/23/14 dated 9/9/14 for $1458.25 for the three cartridges. I have tried numerous times to contact the company. I usually cannot get through to anyone or the response time is two weeks out. The company has called us to collect and their purpose is to say that since we accepted the shipments we have to pay. In finally speaking with somone today on 12/11/14, I was told that they could discount the invoice or "send it out" (i.e. for collection). I was also given multiple dates that we signed for shipments but the company can only produce two UPS delivery slips. I am so upset by this company's sales, business and customer service tactics. This is wasting a lot of my time today. I was constantly told today that you have 30 days from the shipment receipt date to contact the company. To no surprise by the time you are able to speak to someone those 30 days have well passed. The challenges this company has presented is that the only email address I have for one person at the company is a gmail account; they do not return phone calls timely, hence the 30 days to request returns go by very quickly.Desired Settlement: I would like a refund of $489.25 for the invoice we paid but never received anything (I do not want any products from this company). I would like to return the three cartridges we received in error and receive a credit on the invoice for $1458.25 so that we have a balance of 0 owed to Nationwide Business Concepts. I would also like to NEVER be contacted, by this company in the future, once this complaint is resolved.

Business

Response:

The original order was placed by Diamond Fowler on 7/21/14 for [redacted] Triangle. Prior to all shipments, the company is contacted for confirmation after the order. Nationwide Business Solutions spoke with [redacted] on 12/11/14 and made an arrangement to close out the account.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.

Since I never received the original response from the company, I appreciate you re-opening my complaint in order to give me time for an adequate response. Nothing was ever resolved with this company. Their business practices are questionable. The last communications I had with Nationwide Business Concepts was via phone on December 11, 2014 and I indicated I was not paying them anything on the invoice they are requesting payment on. We did not order it and we will not pay for it. I have attached email correspondence detailing the dealings with this company.

Regards,

Business

Response:

Another message for [redacted] was left today from Nationwide Business Concepts. A credit was made to resolve this matter. [redacted] no longer has an open balance with Nationwide Business Concepts.

Review: I own a small business and was called in May by [redacted] with Nationwide Business Concepts. He presented himself as if he was my toner supplier and was worried about the current price of my toner. He actually called me several times, discussing how he was fighting to keep the price of the toner down. He also verified my copier model. When he shipped a toner cartridge with an invoice, I realized I have a maintenance contract and should not be receiving any invoices. Also the toner cartridges were not the right ones for my copier. I called the company several times, left messages on [redacted] extension, but no one returned my calls. Then in July, I received a call from [redacted] requesting payment. I explained the situation and asked to speak to the president of the company. [redacted] called again and faxed me a return shipping label. I asked her if she had a chance to relay what was happening and she said she had not. I did not return the toner. I kept all copies of notes, invoices, names together with the toner.Today, January 1, I received a call from an individual saying that this had been turned over to collections. She said the toner must be returned by January 28th, must be repacked in a third party box, and the toner must not be open so they can resell it. I took their package to UPS with their shipping label, had UPS pack their box into another box, and shipped it back to them.Desired Settlement: I think this company is practicing deceptive practices. I do not like receiving threats from them or a collection company. I have reported them to our local authorities. I will pursue this with the attorney generals office. This is a drain of time and resources for small businesses.

Business

Response:

The original order was placed by [redacted] on 5/28/14 for Comet Consultants. The order was confirmed on 6/2/14 prior to shipment by [redacted]. In July [redacted] requested to arrange a return and was accommodated. She failed to return and the account was transferred to be closed out. Nationwide Business Concepts approved the return again 1/7/15. The [redacted] supplies were returned and the account was credited on 1/14/15. The account is closed and Comet no longer has an open balance with Nationwide Business Solutions. We apologize if the order was placed in error but we have everything possible to satisfy any concerns.

Review: Initially, I was contacted by this company and told they were our new supplier of printer ink, they even named the person previously in my position and then proceeded to get updated information, my name. It was stated they were a supplier for our printer vendor/maintenance company, and they saw we were due for new ink. I told them we were on a prepaid contract to receive ink at regular intervals, which the representative agreed with. Once they confirmed our printer model and our business information, essentially validating what they already had on file, she confirmed that single black toner would be coming to us under our prepaid contract.

Fast forward a month, I receive a single toner cartridge and put it aside. 1 month later, 2 additional cartridges come and I call their number to confirm this unrequested order. No answer on their phone line.

We received an invoice today for a lofty $469 per cartridge. I attempt to contact this business by phone after contacting our printer vendor who told my bluntly this company is a scam and that ink will never come from a 3rd party vendor per our prepaid contract, hence the dubious invoice.

Admittedly, I was duped by this business, but furthermore I am now unable to contact them to arrange a return shipment of the 3 unopened toners.

If this company is reading this, please supply immediate details regarding a return, and guarantee no additional invoices will be sent, and previous invoices will be cancelled.Desired Settlement: Accept returned items, cancel all previous and additional invoices. Business completely misrepresented themselves and outright lied about charges.

Business

Response:

The original order was placed by Gedimin Bulat on 9/15/14 for Masons Supply Co. Per our company policy we have a 30 day return policy, but Nationwide Business Concepts will make arrangements to close out the account if orders were placed in error. On 11/24/14 we received some of the supplies that were returned and the account was credited accordingly. A message was left for Gedimin and we hope to resolve this matter when the call is returned.

This business called one of our branch offices posing as our current printer leasing company. They were able to get unknowing employees to give out our printer model numbers. They told us we needed toner and it was going to cost $500. We later received an invoice for the toner. We have not received any toner nor payed the invoice. We obviously will not pay the invoice.

This is a classic phone toner scam. They hope the invoice will get payed undetected at which point they ship out low grade, low quality, non genuine toner. This is how they make their money.

This company calls multiple times and when you tell them you do not want their service they still send you the toner. When I contacted customer service "[redacted]" was very rude and stated that my front desk had ordered the toner when told she did not "[redacted]" said fine I will send this to collections and hung up on me. BEWARE!

Review: The Nationwide Business Concepts has sent us Toner Cartridge which was not ordered from our school district. They addressed the shipment to Tucumcari Middle School Address C/O (Secertary). The school district does not have packages sent directly to the schools. They are sent to our admin building and the toners are set up on a service contract. The toners were recevied and signed for and used before being contacted by NBC. The school district had recently changed vendors when the toners where delevered. NBC keeps calling and sending us an invoice and threating to send to collections for the amount of 489.25 if we do not pay in full immediatly. . When I try to call there number all I get is to leave a voicemail.Desired Settlement: Please have NBC remove the Invoice # [redacted] from there records and stop harrasing our secretaries.

Review: This company called my front desk agent, [redacted], claiming to be our printing supplier in early January. Our printer is under contract and we receive free toner. My desk agent told them that we did not need any toner and that she wouldn't be the one to order it anyway. She asked if they wanted to speak with a manager and they said no but just asked for her name. An invoice showed up on 2/8/16, with her name on it for $489.25. We never ordered or received any toner from this company.Desired Settlement: Please make this invoice go away (#[redacted]) and let them know to never contact us again.

Business

Response:

This complaint was responded to but was never posted. Can you please post that the account was cancelled and there is no open balance.

Review: This company has sent us toner - two toner catridges and is billing us $1000 - that WE DID NOT ORDER!!!!!! WE DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THEM THIS IS A SCAM> I have tried calling them over 20 times no answer. Left 5 voicemails.Desired Settlement: TAKE BACK THIS TONER AND DELETE THIS BILL

Business

Response:

I have forwarded a return authorization to [redacted]. Once the supplies are returned the account will be closed out.

Review: I was called and the person on the phone said his name as our usual Ricoh copier rep and I was told that we had to order toner from [redacted] that would be calling. I OK'd for 1 toner cartridge but have been getting 2 shipped regularly. I have left many messages at the phone number on the statements and have refused shipments. I paid $988.75 for product that we get for free and nobody will answer the phone or return my calls. I feel I should be reimbursed for the amount that we paid.Desired Settlement: $988.75 for toner that we were co-ersed into receiving.

Business

Response:

Nationwide Business Concepts attempted to resolve this matter this morning but the number on file does not have voice mail options. Invoice [redacted] has been returned and has been credited to the account. In regards to the refund, it clearly states on our invoice " Once an invoice is paid no refunds can be issued". All orders go through our verification and confirmation departments to ensure that we have all of the correct information prior to shipment.

Review: Someone from NBC contacted our receptionist and inquired about the copier brand we used, then promptly started shipping toner to our office. We currently have a contract with a local supplier for toner at no charge. I left a phone message asking who authorized the toner shipments, but I didn't receive a response. When I questioned the staff about who was ordering toner since we had sufficient stock on hand, none of the staff had placed any orders. That's when I discovered NBC was shipping toner without receiving prior authorization. I immediately sent a letter canceling the account. All invoices that had been received at that time had been paid. Upon receiving my letter, NBC promptly sent a statement showing three outstanding invoices from prior months.Desired Settlement: Proof of delivery for all shipments including the invoices that have been paid by our office. We will then gladly return the six cartridges for a full cancelation of three outstanding invoices. All charges to return and restock these toner cartridges are the responsibility of NBC.

Business

Response:

All signed proof of deliveries have been sent to Audrey on 8/28/15. Once the supplies have been returned then the account will be closed out.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted] and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me as long as NBC cancels all remaining invoice upon receiving six toner cartridges from our firm. I need for NBC to send me an address of where to return along with shipping label information. Specifically, I would like call tag information, so that there isn't any confusion about our account receiving a credit. I will wait for the business to cancel all of all outstanding invoices for our firm and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved. Regards,[redacted]

Review: Call the law firm and said implied they were Infomax and would order toner. We have a contract with Infomax and do not pay for toner it is part of our service contract. Nationwide Business Concepts sent a bill for $489.25. This company deceived us into thinking they were Infomax. I refuse to pay and would like them to pick up the toner and take back.Desired Settlement: Take back toner and never call us again!

Business

Response:

The original order was processed on 3/30/14. An order was placed by [redacted] on behalf of Peddicord Law. The order was placed by mistake and a return was arranged today with [redacted]. Once the supplies have been returned the account will be credited.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me. I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.

Regards,

they called our clinic and got the name of an MA who told them time after time she didn't have authority to order product. Toner showed up anyway. We are refusing to pay the invoice and will see them in court if they try to send us to collections. These types of predators should be illegal.

Review: Nationwide Business Concepts made a call to our receptionist, and got her to disclose information about our copy machine. Our copy machine is under a contract which includes toner. We do not purchase toner, and our receptionist was not authorized to make purchases. However, a box of toner arrived with a bill for $489.25. Our receptionist did not open the box of toner, and kept it near her desk waiting for a return label. The box is no longer here, so I assume it was returned. The receptionist does not work here any more. NBC has been trying to collect the $489.25, and I refuse to pay for something we did not order, and that we returned. They tell me they don't have proof of the return, and so we have to pay the bill. I asked them to send me proof that we ordered it, and they said that the order went through "3 levels of verification". Our receptionist would not order unwanted toner, and she did return the unwanted toner, even if I don't have a tracking number. The person I talked to on the phone said that they are going to send this matter to their legal department and tack on additional fees. According to the FTC, we do not have to pay for un-ordered merchandise that was sent to us.Desired Settlement: I would like them to cancel our invoice, to close our account with them, and to never contact us again.

Business

Response:

This account has been closed out. There is not an open balance.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me. I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.

Regards,

[redacted]`

Review: This company called our receptionist and got information about our copier (model#) and then shipped toner cartridges that we did not order and billed us for them. We have a contract with our copier company and receive toner cartridges for free so would not order cartridges through anyone else. Because our receptionist didn't know this, she gave out this information and was signed by our business manager who is no longer with the company.

Review: The company called us asking if we were interested in locking in a certain price for the ink needed for our copy machine. We informed them that we are contracted through someone else and are not interested in their services. About a week later we received a package in the mail from them. I called (11/17/15 at 9 am) and was sent to their voicemail and again on (11/18/2015 at 3:30 pm). I called RIGHT back on my personal number and was connected right away. I was informed by the representative that that there was a 20% receiving fee that they would be willing to wave if I paid to have it shipped back to them. I told them man I would not pay for it since I clearly told the woman on the phone that we were not interested in their ink.Desired Settlement: I want them to send a shipping label in order for us to send their product back. I refuse to be billed for a product I do not want and did not order. I want them to delete our number and NEVER contact us again.

Business

Response:

A prepaid shipping label was faxed to Tanya.

Review: On November 3, 2014 our business, Affordable Auto Rental & Sales, received a UPS delivery of toner. when we opened the package it was from Nationwide Business Concepts. Included was an invoice for almost $500. I called Nationwide Business Concepts and explained that we did not order the toner. Affordable Auto has had a service contract inclusive of all service labor and parts - including toner - with Canon Business Solutions since we purchased our copier in 2010. I learned from the Nationwide Business Concepts representative that they shipped us the toner as a result of a phone survey where they ask what make and model of copier businesses use. The price of Nationwide's remanufactured toner was over three times the cost of the toner from the manufacturer, and it appears they ship it hoping a business won't notice and pay the exorbitant bill. After a week of back and forth, during which I provided a copy of our service contract with Canon and threatened to make a complaint to the Washington State Attorney General's office, Nationwide Business concepts sent me a return authorization. However, the authorization required me to purchase a separate shipping box and pay for shipping. In addition, I would be liable for any "damage" that may occur to the product. I informed Nationwide Business Concepts that I would return the materials, unopened as received, if they paid for shipping. I did not hear back from them until yesterday, when they demanded payment in full and refaxed their invoice. I could not reach a Nationwide Business Concepts representative by phone.Desired Settlement: I would be happy to return the toner in the original containers, unopened, that they were shipped in provided they pay for shipping. Otherwise, I would like Nationwide Business Concepts to send a written acknowledgement that their invoice is invalid and to stop contacting us.

Business

Response:

We have attempted to resolve this matter with Affordable Auto and rental over the past year and have been unsuccessful. I also attempted to reach [redacted] today and his phone just rings with no option for voicemail. All returns are provided with paid return shipping labels within the first 90 day period. After the 90 day period the account is transferred to be closed out. At this point we have made an exception on this account for a return. The supplies have not been returned yet. Once the supplies are returned this account will be closed out.

Review: This company fraudulently represented themselves as the distribution arm of a company we typically purchase our toner cartridges through ([redacted]). The even had someone call us saying they were from [redacted]. This individual, fraudulently representing themselves as from [redacted], told us it was okay to purchase from Nationwide Business Concepts. When we received a bill for a dollar amount that was much larger than our normal toner cost and a second bill for toner we never received, we started investigating. We called Fishers, our normal toner suppler, and they informed us at that time that we were scammed as they are not working with any distribution company.Desired Settlement: Fortunately we have not paid any money to this company. We would like to return (at their expense) the toner they did ship and have them disregard the two invoices to our company.

Business

Response:

A return authorization form was issued to [redacted]. Once the supplies have been returned the account will be credited and closed out.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.

This complaint is not resolved. We have not received the Authorization to Return from Nationwide Business Concepts as they have stated.

Regards,

Business

Response:

We forwarded the return authorization form on 8/5/15 and we still have not received the supplies in return.