BBB Warning On Quality Horse Stalls Of Catawissa

Horse owners are very attached to their equine companions, and when one of them gets hurt or isn't cared for properly, they're indignant.

That's what has happened in recent months with owners who bought stalls from Quality Horse Stalls of Catawissa, Mo., owned by Michael G. Brandt. Customers from 10 states have filed complaints saying that the company either delivered poor merchandise, incomplete orders or nothing at all.

A horse owner in St. Clair, Anna Brown, said one of her animals was injured on a badly designed water bucket attachment in a stall she purchased from Quality Horse Stalls.

Many owners say they spent thousands of dollars for equipment that they never received or that was defective, and they've been unable to obtain refunds.

The Better Business Bureau today issued a warning on the company. Brandt is the former owner of Triple B. Stalls, which was the subject of similar complaints in 2008 and 2009. Brandt also has a criminal record of theft connected to a previous employer and to sales of horse stalls and other merchandise.

The BBB advises consumers to always check a company's BBB Business Review t before making a purchase. More than 4 million reviews are available at bbb.org. In the bistate area, consumers also may call 314-645-3300 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays.

Other BBB tips:

• Ask for references and contact them before placing an order.
• Ask for a written agreement, specifying exactly what you are supposed to receive and when it will be received.
• If possible, withhold a portion of the payment until after you have received the merchandise and are satisfied.
• Pay by credit card whenever possible in case you need to challenge the payment in the future.