A Balgownie pet food supplier convicted last month of ripping off four customers has escaped further prosecution despite dozens of other complaints.
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The Department of Fair Trading received 77 complaints against Sharlee Stockfeeds and Pet Supplies last year, triggering a four-month investigation into its online operations.
Several customers took to the "Pissed Consumer" website to air their grievances, complaining about paying up to $800 for pet products that never arrived.
One US customer called for a class action suit to sue the business after waiting more than two years for an undelivered order.
Other angry customers turned to social media, starting a Facebook campaign named "Stop Sharlee Stockfeed NOW".
Sharlee's owner Gregory Robert Stratton was fined $20,000 in Wollongong Local Court last month for ripping off four customers.
The court was told investigations into the 46-year-old's business were continuing after the department received another 50 complaints.
However, a Department of Fair Trading spokesman said yesterday its investigation had wrapped up and no further charges would be laid.
Stratton had been operating the now defunct online business www.sharlee.com.au for more than a decade, selling pet supplies including food, accessories and medication.
Four female customers reported ordering goods on the website early last year, handing over a combined $360 for products that were never supplied.
Stratton pleaded guilty last month to four counts of failing to supply goods and services.
Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe said it was important to report dodgy online dealings.
"It helps us develop a pattern of conduct so we can build a profile of complaints and gain intelligence in the marketplace," he said.
He said nearly 45,000 complaints were lodged with the department last year and reporting of online traders had also increased.
While the department focused on seeking redress for consumers, Mr Stowe said legal action was also an option.
"In some instances, the complaint comes down to poor service and bad communication," he said.
"Often our intervention is enough to resolve it but when it's a situation where the trader has no intention of supplying the goods, we do contemplate taking enforcement action."
Concerned consumers can lodge complaints via the Department of Fair Trading website.
