May 3, 1999

Portland-Based Internet Music Company Generates High Volume
of Complaints with Better Business Bureau

Portland, Ore.-The Better Business Bureau serving Oregon and Western Washington has received a high volume of complaints concerning a Portland-based company conducting business over the Internet.

Sound City 2000, which specializes in selling "hard to find" music compact discs on-line, has generated a pattern of complaints from consumers across the country. Consumers allege merchandise ordered was not delivered when promised and, in some cases, the consumer has had difficulty in obtaining refunds from the company. Sound City 2000 has also been slow or has not responded to consumer complaints presented to them by the Better Business Bureau. The BBB does not have a background history on this company, only a mailing address, which is a post office box in Portland, Ore.

"We have seen complaints involving Internet transactions increase substantially in the past year," said Jim Haile, Manager of the BBB's Portland office. "It's important for consumers to exercise the same caution with Internet purchases as they would any other transaction."

The Better Business Bureau recommends the following tips for consumers purchasing merchandise over the Internet:

Better Business Bureau reports are based on BBB file experience over the past three years. BBB reports are provide solely to assist consumers in exercising their own best judgment and are subject to change at any time. The Better Business Bureau does not endorse, recommend or disapprove of any product, service or company.