Complaints

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• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/04/2023

  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.

  Summary: I believe Things to Do, Inc engaged in deceptive business practice at best &, at worst, bait & switch. I request my money to be either refunded or credited for use on another event. Full History: On May 3, 2023, I purchased two tickets to an embassy event in Washington, DC via Things to Do, Inc's website for $130. The event was for May 4, 2023, 7 PM - 9:30 PM. The event description - screen shots to be attached - detailed a full buffet with wine, beer and refreshments, a dance performance and more. Nowhere did the event description state the event was standing room only. Any reasonable person reading that description would think such a fancy dinner - one where business attire was the minimum dress code accepted - would have seating. I have medical conditions that prevent me from standing 30 minutes. I certainly cannot stand 2.5 hours. And I certainly would never have purchased non-refundable tickets had I known I would have to stand. Yes, I knew the tickets were non-refundable. I still believe I'm owed my money back in some way, shape or form. If Things To Do, Inc. expects me to abide by their contract then they need to proceed in good faith. It is not okay to expect a consumer to pay for one thing, only to be told they bought something else later. How exactly does a consumer agree to a contract without being advised of the details? Many companies provide embassy events. Most events I've seen CLEARLY state "standing room only" on their events. That was not the case here. Worse? The initial receipt I received yesterday said a detailed confirmation would be sent "shortly" It wasn't sent until the next day - just hours before the event. Worse still? No one was available at the customer service # provided. Not for the entire day/eve. No way to speak to a person. With zero regard to otherly-abled folk, this company proceeded. I respectfully request them to do the right thing & detail their events better going forward. Respectfully,*************************

  Business Response

  Date: 05/29/2023

  We are sorry that this customer has specific "expectations" abotu this being a "formal seated event"   Nowhere does it state this in the description. 
  
  If, in fact, the customer had ADA requirements and requests, we would have gladly accommodated.  But, we have no phone calls (including messages) or emails in advance. 
  
  Had the customer reviewed our past events (including an extensive photo gallery), she would have seen these events are all primarily stand up receptions. 
  
  The customer did not even bother showing up to the event (even though we paid many expenses for her expected arrival).  It was an otherwise sold out event that we could have filled he rspots with other people. 
  
  We would have gladly accommodated any seating requirements she needed.  But, because she did not properly contact us in advance, and jut decided to unilaterally not show up and make her complaints known to us afterwards, we respectfully, do not believe a refund is in order. 
  BTW, we (in fact) had plenty of seating at the event after all.  Pictures can be seen at:    **************************************************************************;
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/02/2023

  [To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed as Answered]
  
   Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because it is the duty of the company to accurately depict an event. Also, there was no way to contact the company. I tried to phone and left messages BEFORE the event but after I paid. If this company was so pro-ADA, why did no one contact me back and say they’d have seating? Why was no one available the day of the event?

  it’s laughable to expect someone to believe that the company incurred expenses because I wasn’t there. Laughable. They enjoyed a bigger profit margin, actually. The reason I didn’t show up is because it would’ve cost me almost $100 in **** rides back and forth with no belief I’d be able to sit anywhere.
  I reached out via email and phone with no response from this company. None. Not until this report has anyone responded. They do so now, not because they care about me or anime with disabilities, but because their actions have been brought to the attention of the BBB. 
  
  Not even an apology. No, my complaint stands. 
  
  Regards,
  
  ***********************