NEWBURY PARK : Mail Order Firm Is Fined $40,000

A Newbury Park mail order firm that customers complained took up to six months to fill orders was penalized $40,000 Monday and ordered to halt misleading advertising, prosecutors said.

Mastergrip Inc., which sells golf clubs and other golf-related merchandise, agreed to the judgment issued by Superior Court Judge Steven Z. Perren, but did not admit to any wrongdoing, Dist. Atty. Michael D. Bradbury said in a prepared statement.

The civil complaint filed by the Consumer and Environmental Protection Division of the district attorney’s office accused the firm of false and misleading advertising by promising to ship goods within 48 hours.

Some customers told prosecutors that they waited four to six months to receive merchandise. “Our office, the postal inspectors, and the Better Business Bureau received a total of 500 complaints regarding Mastergrip in 1990 and 1991,” Bradbury said.

The complaint also alleged that Mastergrip failed to ship merchandise or offer refunds within 30 days of receipt of an order as required by state and federal law, Bradbury said.

The company told prosecutors that it has eliminated problems in its shipping department that led to the delays and that customer orders are now being filled promptly, Bradbury said.