Better Business Bureau Lowers MyPillow Rating To F
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A Minnesota business is under fire for its advertising from a nonprofit watchdog group.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Minnesota and North Dakota is lowering the rating for Chaska-based MyPillow from a BBB rating to an F. The organization says the company violated its code of advertising after receiving complaints from consumers.
First, the BBB says MyPillow's "buy one get one free" discount has to be extended for a limited time, and could otherwise be construed as using the sale to mask the product's regular price. The BBB says a "substantial number" of the 232 complaints filed against the company are regarding this confusion.
The group says it contacted MyPillow owner Mike Lindell about the confusion, who told them he wouldn't be able to stop the company's "buy one get one free" offer, but would look at making changes in 2017. When pressed for more, the BBB says Lindell was not specific.
The BBB also says the "as seen on TV" claims are sometimes listed on MyPillow boxes when the content isn't the same as what's seen on the ads. Furthermore, the BBB disputes MyPillow's claim of offering a "full warranty" -- customers need to pay a fee to return the pillow.
Lindell released a statement Monday.
"MyPillow was built on our dedication to our customers' satisfaction. We run sales and specials for our customers, so that we can give as many people as possible the chance to have a great night's sleep. Naturally, I am terribly disappointed by the BBB's decision.
"When I started MyPillow more than 11 years ago, I handled each and every customer call personally. To this day, I train all of our customer service representatives with one thing in mind, we take care of our customers because we owe them our success. We have sold more than 25 million MyPillows, but we will continue to treat each and every customer like they are our only one.
"From myself and our 1,500 employees, we want to thank our loyal customers."