Bob’s Discount Furniture
TINA.org investigated Bob’s Discount Furniture’s offer of “interest free” financing and found that the store deceptively advertised its financing by failing to make clear that interest on unpaid balances would be exorbitant and back-charged from the date of purchase, and that consumers must pay more than the amount shown in their monthly bills to avoid interest.
Highlights
- Sent warning letter to company
- Filed complaint with CT regulators
- CT Department of Consumer Protection investigated and requested changes
- Company made changes and sent refunds to consumers
Timeline
Following TINA.org’s investigation
Consumers report to TINA.org receiving refunds from Bob’s following our complaint and subsequent efforts.
2015
November 18
TINA.org sends a letter to the company notifying it of the continuous problem in an effort to prompt Bob’s to fully and immediately correct the issues throughout all of its stores.
October-November
TINA.org continues its investigation, visiting several Bob’s store locations in Connecticut and finding that deceptive marketing of the “interest free” financing offer is still in use despite the company’s assurances to the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection.
May 6
Connecticut’s Department of Consumer Protection informs TINA.org that after investigating Bob’s Discount Furniture, the Department requested that the company make revisions to the signs promoting the “interest free” financing offer, as well as the monthly invoices sent to customers.
2014
December 1
William Rubenstein, Connecticut’s Commissioner of Consumer Protection, stated in an email to TINA.org that the Department of Consumer Protection has opened an investigation regarding Bob’s Discount Furniture’s “interest free” financing offer.
November 19
TINA.org sends complaint letter to Connecticut Attorney General and Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection asking them to take action to halt Bob’s deceptive marketing.
October 27
TINA.org responds to Bob’s provision of documents and reminds the company that TINA.org will notify government regulators unless it makes timely changes to its point-of-sale marketing of “interest free” financing.
October 2
Bob’s Discount Furniture provides some documentation (e.g., training materials, credit forms, etc.) in response to TINA.org’s warning letter, none of which contradict TINA.org’s findings.
September 22
TINA.org sends warning letter to Bob’s Discount Furniture.
Featured
State Officials Investigate Bob’s Discount Furniture after TINA.org Complaint
Company’s “interest free” financing hides important information from consumers.
The Latest
TINA.org to Bob’s Discount Furniture: Stop the Deceptive Advertising
TINA.org follow-up investigation finds consumers are still not getting the full story on store’s financing program.
Bob’s Discount Furniture Deceptively Markets Interest-Free Financing
Ad Watchdog TINA.org Calls on State Officials to Take Action MADISON, CONN., December 2, 2014 — Consumers are being set up to fail with Bob’s Discount Furniture’s interest-free financing offers,…
Interest Charge Hidden in Plain Sight
Reader finds out not reading fine print comes at heavy cost.
Class-Action Tracker
Goof Proof Service Contracts
Allegations: Misrepresenting that Goof Proof protects furniture against damage caused by accidents for 5 years when Bob’s Discount Furniture denies claims submitted for such reasons
Goof Proof Protection Plan
Allegations: Misleadingly marketing Goof Proof as “the best way to protect your investment from a wide variety of accidents for 5 years” when the furniture store denies claims for many…
Goof Proof Protection From Bob’s Discount Furniture
Allegations: Misleadingly representing that warranties provide coverage for accidental damages when Bob’s Discount Furniture denies claims submitted for such reasons
Goof Proof Warranty from Bob’s Discount Furniture
Allegations: Misrepresenting the terms of Goof Proof warranty coverage