Consumers are being warned to steer clear of an online business that began on Channel Ten's Shark Tank and promises to deliver the latest fashion and beauty products in a box every three months.
More News Videos
- Video duration
- 00:40
Her Fashion Box complaints spark warning
- Video duration
- 01:46
How will we get to work in 2026?
- Video duration
- 01:31
Kingswood Country star Ross Higgins dies
- Video duration
- 00:54
Selling blue poles
- Video duration
- 01:36
Energy security blueprint
- Video duration
- 00:54
Ex-Ford workers to become 'pastors, scuba instructors'
- Video duration
- 01:01
ABC's Man Up series explores men's mental health
Her Fashion Box complaints spark warning
NSW Fair Trading warns consumers to steer clear of HerFashionBox.com, a start-up featured on Ten's Shark Tank.
NSW Fair Trading issued the warning about HerFashionBox.com following a growing number of complaints from customers who never received a box, struggled to obtain a refund, and kept having payments taken out of their bank accounts, despite cancelling their subscription.
Her Fashion Box, created by Sydney woman Kath Purkis, is a subscription-based business, which deducts $59.95 out of a customer's account each quarter before delivering a seasonal "fashion box" to their door.
"It's been very difficult to contact the operators, there doesn't seem to be anyone at their business premises, and we advised them that we'd send out this public warning and didn't hear back," said Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe.
"The website is registered outside of Australia, which is why we can't take it off air and it's critical to make this public warning."
Fair Trading has received 16 complaints from angry customers since August last year.
Until recently, a subscription fee of $39.95 was paid each month for a monthly delivery. Its "brand partners" include L'Oreal, ModelCo and Schwarzkopf.
The start-up featured on the second season of Shark Tank and secured $200,000 from investors Janine Allis and Andrew Banks, who asked for 16 per cent joint equity.
"That's added credibility to the business and probably why people are aware of it," said Mr Stowe.
Ms Purkis told Fairfax Media that she was never made aware of the public warning and that it was unfair.
She said they had successfully shipped 40,000 boxes to "happy customers".
She said their warehouse was busy preparing the "summer box", which will be shipped out in three weeks.
"In the small handful of requests from Fair Trading over four years in business, Her Fashion Box has always replied and actioned any requests immediately including proof of delivery, proof of tracking numbers, replacement items or refund if necessary," she said.
"As it stands today, it appears there is one request from Fair Trading which is currently open."
Ms Purkis said customers could cancel their subscription at any time and it was important for them to read and understand the terms and conditions.
"We should be celebrating Australian businesses and encouraging a nation of innovative entrepreneurs instead of tearing them down," she said.
But dozens of customers on social media are conveying a different story.
"I received my first box after several payments - what an absolute lot of rubbish! It should be re-named the Kmart box!" wrote Mel Tempest on the Facebook page of Her Fashion Box.
Amanda Smith said she had ordered and paid for one box as a trial.
"You have my money. Emailed mid-June as no word since. Was told orders were to be sent 'that week'. Still nothing. Another email sent yesterday? Again no response ... Maybe time to ask for my money back?" she fumed on Facebook.