ffplmbng: North Austin plumbing supply business closes, leaves customers confused

Friday, June 10, 2011

North Austin plumbing supply business closes, leaves customers confused - KVUE

A North Austin business is mysteriously closed and customers want answers. On Thursday, the doors were locked and the lights were off at Austin Plumbing Supply on Burnet Road.

Customer Tom Holland said he first noticed that Austin Plumbing Supply was closed during regular business hours last week.
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?It's a very big mystery, and it doesn't seem like a good way to run a business,? Holland said.
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Holland is worried he will never get the bathroom fixtures he ordered from Austin Plumbing Supply a few weeks ago.
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Faucets, towel racks, and sinks are still on display inside the store. However, the store's mail is scattered on the floor.
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?It?s deserted,? Holland said.
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It is not clear whether the business is closed down for good, or only temporarily. It is also not known why Austin Plumbing Supply did not notify customers. Customers say they found out by driving by the store.

The owner did not return KVUE?s phone calls.
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Thursday afternoon, customer Pauline Martinez drove up to the store and questioned why it was closed.
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?This is the third time I've come, and I don't know what's going on,? Martinez said.
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Contractor Terry Stewart is also waiting for an order from Austin Plumbing Supply. He said he paid up front for an order a month ago. Now he questions whether he will receive the hardware he needs, or his $400.
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?I do feel somewhat ripped off,? Stewart said. ?I don't know what recourse I have. I don't know what's going on.?
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Stewart said his work on a bathroom project in a South Austin home is now stalled. He is not alone. A North Austin home owner told KVUE News Thursday night he is out $20,000.
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The Office of the Attorney General has several useful tips to protect customers when a business closes down. The most important step is to maintain meticulous records of every transaction. Invoices, sales receipts, credit card slips, and names of sales representatives are all important documents to keep.
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The attorney general also suggests customers should pay for goods after the products are delivered. If a vendor wants a down payment, negotiate to obtain the lowest possible amount.
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Customers should avoid paying with cash and instead use a credit card to make large purchases or deposits. If the goods are not delivered, a customer can dispute the charge and often times get the money refunded. However, this must happen within 60 days.
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In the event a business files bankruptcy, customers become creditors and may be paid after the business liquidates its assets. The attorney general says customers who are owed large amounts of money should consider contacting a private attorney to learn more about their legal rights.
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Customers can also file a complaint with the Texas Attorney General?s Consumer Protection Division.