Terry Goddard Settles with Kirby Vacuum Cleaner Distributors

(Phoenix, Ariz. – Sept. 21, 2005)  Attorney General Terry Goddard today announced a settlement agreement with Kirby Vacuum Cleaner distributors Globestar United Distribution Corporation and Dyer Resources, Inc.  Both are based in Phoenix and operate statewide. The agreement settles allegations that the defendants placed misleading and deceptive telemarketing calls to consumers, followed by aggressive, misleading and unreasonably long in-home sales presentations.

“Consumers need to be careful about allowing people into their homes to conduct sales presentations,” Goddard said. “My office often receives complaints where consumers purchase something they don’t want or need simply to get the salesperson to leave their home.”

The Consent Judgment requires Globestar and Dyer to:

  • Stop making misrepresentations and misleading statements in their telephone solicitations.
  • Limit telemarketing calls to setting an appointment for a sales presentation of a Kirby vacuum cleaner.
  • Honor refund and cancellation policies.
  • Leave consumers’ homes after a reasonable amount of time.
  • Abide by the Do Not Call Registry rules.

The settlement agreement also requires the defendants to pay $20,000 to victims as restitution and $35,000 in civil penalties.  Consumers who have not already filed complaints with the Attorney General’s Office may file them against Globestar and Dyer, which also operated as Burkhardt’s Kirby Company and Aloha Systems.  Complaint forms are available at www.azag.gov or by calling 602.542.5763 in Phoenix. Complaints must be submitted by September 30, 2005.