(BBB Midwest Plains)
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) of the Midwest Plains has opened an investigation into Mikez Customz, a company claiming to operate in Derby, Kansas. The business, which sells custom footwear, is accused of failing to fulfill multiple orders, leaving customers without the products they paid for.
The investigation was initiated after BBB received eight complaints in recent weeks from customers who allege they placed orders for custom shoes through the company’s website, www.mikezcustomz.com, and did not receive their products within the promised timeframe of three to six months.
In response to BBB’s inquiries, Mikez Customz acknowledged on September 24, 2024, that there were indeed unfulfilled orders and stated they were working to resolve them. However, seven complaints remain unresolved, and the business has not responded to further attempts by BBB to seek clarity on the situation.
A review of the business’s website and related information revealed several red flags:
- Incomplete contact information: The website lists only “Derby, Kansas” and an email address, with no phone number or complete physical address.
- Questionable domain registration: The domain, registered through Wix.com Ltd. on March 14, 2023, expires on March 14, 2025.
- Vague policies: The website claims a lengthy turnaround time due to high demand but provides no detailed policies on refunds, cancellations, or delivery guarantees.
BBB advises consumers to exercise caution when considering purchases from businesses with unresolved complaints and limited contact information. Despite the company's statement that high demand had led to order delays and the decision to shut down the business, the website remains active, and customers can still place custom orders.
To protect yourself from similar issues, BBB recommends the following tips when shopping online:
- Verify the business: Look for the BBB seal and verify the business’s accreditation at BBB.org. Research the company’s track record and customer reviews.
- Check contact information: A legitimate business should provide a clear physical address, phone number, and customer service email. Lack of contact information is a red flag.
- Secure websites only: Look for "HTTPS" in the URL and a lock icon before entering payment information. Avoid websites that only use "HTTP."
- Research before you buy: Use resources like BBB.org to research businesses and products. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
- Avoid non-traceable payments: Use secure and traceable payment methods like credit cards, which offer more protection. Be cautious with digital wallets and prepaid cards.
- Beware of fake websites: Check the URL for accuracy, look for grammar errors, and search for contact information to ensure the website is legitimate.
BBB will continue to monitor the situation and update consumers as more information becomes available.
For more information
If you’ve been the victim of a scam when you made an online purchase, please report it to BBB Scam Tracker at BBB.org/scamtracker. Your report can help expose scammers’ tactics and prevent others from having a similar experience.