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A store west of Wilmington has been issued a cease and desist order, after an investigation into, among other things, reports of customers being charged for complaining to the Better Business Bureau or writing negative reviews on social media sites.
The business was identified as The Amish Mill on Greenbank Road in the Prices Corner area. Listed as the owner is Michael D. Wharton. The store offers custom Amish-made furniture as well as seasonal produce, deli meats and cheeses, and jar goods.
The order came after complaints to the Better Business Bureau and the state.
The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Unit opened an investigation into claims that business made verbal representations about the delivery timeframe for items ordered and then failed to deliver the items as promised.
Consumers also complained that the business charged customers fees of $5.99 per phone call when they inquired about delayed deliveries, charged a fee of $85 for complaining to the Better Business Bureau or for posting a bad review online. Complaints also include cancelled orders without refunds.
On August 30, the Consumer Protection Unit filed an administrative Complaint alleging 23 counts of consumer fraud against The Amish Mill and its owner. The same day Biden’s office issued a temporary Cease and Desist Order prohibiting The Amish Mill and its owner from engaging in fraudulent conduct.
“We’re acting to protect consumers by ensuring they get what they pay for and to hold this business to account for its obligation to provide the products it sold and promised to deliver,” Attorney General Beau Biden stated.
An search of the store revealed number of poor reviews on Yahoo and Google.
On Tuesday, the Consumer Protection Unit conducted a hearing seeking to extend the temporary Cease and Desist Order until a final hearing is held this fall on its 23-count complaint.
Following the hearing, an independent hearing officer who presided over the proceeding extended the Order until a final hearing takes place, which is expected to occur within the next 60 days. During the hearing, eight witnesses testified.
“Better Business Bureau Serving Delaware is pleased that it could assist the Attorney General’s Office in this investigation,” said Delaware Better Business Bureau President Christine R. Sauers. “We have a long history of unanswered and unresolved complaints against the Amish Mill and this Cease and Desist Order will help protect consumers and force the business to change their practices.”
The BBB website reported seven of the 31 complaints it received regarding the store were resolved.
Delaware law allows the Consumer Protection Unit to issue orders demanding individuals or companies cease unlawful businesses practices where there is perceived an immediate threat to the public interest. Violation of any Cease and Desist Order is punishable by administrative penalties of up to $5,000 per violation.
Wharton told the News Journal the business will stay open and said company policies were clearly posted.
