Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/13/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On January 6, 2025, I entered into a $65,000 agreement with Automated Investments Group for a fully managed ****** private-label store. I paid $45,000 upfront. Per the contract, the company committed to sourcing a unique product, creating a brand and trademark, collaborating with influencers, launching the Amazon store, TikTok shop, and ******* store within 3 to 4 months, and providing ongoing operational ********** date, aside from the formation of an LLC and the setup of an Amazon accountboth completed within the first monththere has been no meaningful progress. The only product sample presented over 4 months later (May 13, 2025) was a generic, low-quality item that is widely available on ****** and ***** This raises significant concerns about the quality of the companys market research and product vetting process. In accordance with the agreement, I requested an alternative product, as the sample clearly lacked market competitiveness and did not meet quality expectations. Other core deliverablessuch as competitive analysis, packaging development, trademark filing, and brand differentiationremain incomplete. I was misled into believing that a trademark application had been filed, despite the proposed brand name, ********, already being in commercial use by another company. I was also informed that a second product sample had been shipped on July 22, 2025, but as of this writing, I have not received ******, nearly eight months since signing, there is still no live store, no approved product, and no functional brand. Due to the companys failure to perform as contracted, I issued a formal termination notice and requested a refund. Rather than accepting responsibility, the company denied any breach and inaccurately claimed that I still owed additional funds.I am seeking a full refund of $45,000 for material nonperformance, misrepresentation, and breach of contract.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 09/17/2025

   After careful review of Mr. ****** statements, we respectfully submit the following response, supported by documentation that demonstrates our compliance with the signed agreement dated January 6, 2025.

  1. Timeline & Expectations

  The complainant references a 34 month launch guarantee. Our signed agreement contains no such guarantee. In fact, Clause 1.4 explicitly states:

  Time is not of the essence. Company shall not be liable for any delays caused by third parties, suppliers, or the Client.

  Timelines were communicated as projections, contingent upon third-party suppliers, trademark processes, and the clients responsiveness.
  
  

  2. Services Completed to Date

  Substantial progress has been made, including but not limited to:

  • Formation of LLC and EIN
    
    

  • Amazon account setup and brand onboarding
    
    

  • Product research with 8 curated options provided
    
    

  • Brand kit and logo creation (delivered)
    
    

  • Trademark documents prepared (pending clients product approval, as required by *****)
    
    

  • Samples sourced and shipped (first sample received in May; second sample shipped July 22 with tracking)
    
    

  • Ongoing communications via Slack, calls, and email
    
    

  These deliverables represent significant fulfillment of contractual obligations.

  3. ******************* & Approvals

  Contrary to the complaint, Mr. ***** explicitly approved multiple stages of progress:

  • On February 13, 2025, he confirmed: Lets do the bottle warmer.
    
    

  • Regarding branding, he stated: Lets keep it Purenest.
    
    

  • On packaging, he confirmed: I think the packaging is good.
    
    

  These approvals show that he actively participated in the process and agreed to move forward with the product, brand, and packaging undermining the claim of no meaningful progress.

  4. Samples & Iterations

  • The first product sample was delivered May 7, 2025. Client feedback was received 19 days later.
    
    

  • A second sample was sourced and shipped July 22, 2025, with tracking documentation provided.
    
    

  • A third, upgraded sample with 316 stainless steel, full-body finish, and improved battery was also secured. When informed, Mr. ***** asked to cancel the shipment even though it had already been paid for and dispatched.
    
    

  Samples are prototypes and not final branded versions. It is standard industry practice to refine based on client feedback.

  5. Trademark & Brand Name

  The brand name PureNest was available at the time of development. Trademark filing requires proof of commercial use, which cannot occur until a final product is approved. Filing was pending his confirmation which was withheld.

  6. Payment Terms

  The agreement states in Section 3.1(a):

  An additional $20,000 shall be due upon delivery of the brand package and prior to store launch.

  The brand package has been delivered in full (logo, colors, packaging, brand kit). Therefore, the balance owed is valid under the agreement.

  7. Delays & Client Impact

  Delays were largely outside our control and included:

  • Bank account opening: 4 days (client delay)
    
    

  • Scheduling onboarding call: 16 days (client delay)
    
    

  • Product selection: 18 days (client delay)
    
    

  • Review of sample: 19 days (client delay)
    
    

  • Clients international travel: 6 days (client delay)
    
    

  Despite these, we continued proactive work on his behalf, including ordering upgraded samples and providing continuous updates.

  8. Reputation & Good Faith

  Even after Mr. ***** began posting negative remarks about our company on social media harming our reputation and breaching his contractual non-disparagement obligation we continued to work in good faith. We sourced an upgraded sample, maintained communications, and made repeated efforts to move the project forward.

  This demonstrates our consistent willingness to resolve the matter professionally, despite unfair treatment.

   

  9. Conclusion

  We respectfully reject the claim of material nonperformance or misrepresentation. The evidence demonstrates:

  • Clear contract terms with no guaranteed timeline.
    
    

  • Substantial deliverables provided and approved by the client.
    
    

  • Samples sourced and shipped, including upgraded versions.
    
    

  • Delays caused in large part by the client.
    
    

  • Continued good-faith efforts by our team, even after disparagement.
    
    

  Mr. ****** demand for a refund is unsupported by contract or fact. We remain open to professional resolution, including mediation if BBB recommends, but we request that this complaint be closed as resolved in favor of our business.

   

  Enclosed Exhibits:

  • Exhibit A: Contract excerpts (Clause 1.4 and Section 3.1(a))
    
    

  • Exhibit B: Client approvals via Slack (product, brand name, packaging)
    
    

  • Exhibit C: Sample shipment tracking + client Please cancel the shipment message
    
    

  • Exhibit D: Evidence of disparaging public comments (if available)
    
    

   

  Sincerely,
  Oz Levi
  Automated Investments Group

  Customer Answer

  Date: 09/23/2025

   
  Complaint: 23741324
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  

  1- Inaccurate information/communication: Multiple dates and records cited by the company do not match Slack logs or tracking data. Deliverables such as the second sample shipped to me and upgraded materials never occurred. Their BBB response itself contains multiple inaccuracies, further underscoring this pattern.
  

  2- Failure to provide the promised Hands-Off experience: The agreement and introductory calls emphasized a streamlined, low-involvement process. In reality, I experienced fragmented communication, missed milestones, and delays. When I escalated concerns to the CEO, he promised biweekly meetings but failed to attend scheduled calls and ignored my follow-ups.

  3- Miscommunication & lack of documentation: Despite repeated requests, I was never provided draft trademark filings or supporting documentation. The company misrepresented progress by citing trademark work that was never shared. 
  

  4- Faill to do market due diligence & poor product
  Suggested brand names (PureNest, MilkMate) were already in commercial use before the contract sign date, showing inadequate clearance. The products presented were generic, low-quality, and already saturated on ****** and ***** often with identical designs and branding.
  

  5- Project delays caused by mismanagement
  Delays were attributed to me or third parties, but Slack conversations and CEO admissions show they stemmed from poor internal coordination. The CEO himself acknowledged missed milestones and agreed to replace the project manager.
  

  6- Unmet core promises
  I acknowledge that time is not of the essence in the written contract. However, introductory calls and marketing materials repeatedly emphasized a 34 month launch, smooth execution, and timely delivery, which shape my expectation and decision making process. None of these expectations were met.
  
  All of these concerns have already been raised directly with the companys leadership before filing this BBB complaint. This pattern of inaccurate information, miscommunication, poor product quality, and missed deadlines demonstrates that the company has not delivered the hands-off Amazon store I was promised. Instead, I was forced into extensive follow-up, due diligence, and quality checks that should have been the companys responsibility.

  I have attached a detaeid replay to the company response.

  I respectfully ask the BBB to review the facts and provide a fair assessment of this case.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  **** *****