YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
Update: Tyler Viles granted an interview to Springfield Business Journal shortly after this article was published. See Updated: Local craftsman responds to BBB complaints.
The Better Business Bureau in Springfield yesterday warned consumers shopping for a bargain on custom furniture to be cautious dealing with local woodworker Tyler Viles.
At least 10 customers allege Viles failed to deliver their custom wood product orders and did not grant refunds for the dining tables, dresser and other items, according to a BBB news release.
Viles lives in Springfield and operates Viles Woodworking – doing business as Tree of Life Woodworking – out of a shop in Republic, according to a thread with customers on his company’s Facebook page.
Viles did not respond to multiple attempts to reach him for comment, by deadline. BBB officials say Viles also did not respond to their inquiries.
Although the company’s phone number and website are not active, the Facebook page has 12,916 followers. Through March 10, Viles had promoted dozens of finished products on the social media platform, garnering comments and shares from customers clamoring for there own rustic, farmhouse-style decor.
“Just because something might look good on social media, consumers still need to research the company before deciding to do business with it,” said Stephanie Garland, BBB Springfield regional director. “Viles has an ethical obligation to either deliver the product or issue refunds to those who did not receive what they paid for.”
Complaints received by the BBB include customers who paid hundreds of dollars in down payments for products that were never delivered.
One customer claimed Viles blamed his fulfillment troubles on a bankruptcy last September. But other customers said he was accepting their payments as recently as January. A search in the U.S. Courts for the Western District of Missouri’s online database did not return any bankruptcy filings for Viles.
Viles’ personal Facebook page lists him as recently taking a job as a bouncer at Club Rodeo.
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It's unfortunate that this man chose to run his business without ethics or integrity because the damage he's inflicted on local consumers will only hurt other local small business owners who are honest and hardworking. I hope this young man learns from these mistakes and makes things right with the people he's ripped off.