Several Fresno-area companies have landed on the "Dirty Dozen" list of businesses because of complaints filed last year with Better Business Bureau of Central California.

The bureau looked at the number of complaints against companies and how many of the complaints were resolved in 2009, BBB chief executive Doug Broten said.

The size of the business also was taken into account. He said the ones listed had more complaints than would be expected for a business of their size.

All the companies on the list had ratings of D- or lower. The list focused on companies that still are in business and operating in the region, which stretches from Mono to Kern counties.

"What we want to do is make sure the public checks first before they do business with a company," Broten said.

Businesses on the list, released Thursday:

Master Internet Profits, a Fresno-based Internet marketing company. Twenty-four complaints, one unresolved and one unanswered. Complaints say the company failed to deliver purchased work-at-home employment training materials.

A person answering the phone at the company's phone number said it was no longer in business.

Fresno Wedding Chapel on Van Ness Boulevard in Fresno. Ten complaints, three unresolved and seven unanswered.

Owner the Rev. Karl Jordan said he is in the process of contacting the BBB and resolving the complaints. The complaints relate to planning issues, marriage licenses not filed in a timely manner and photo problems.

Jordan said the business has held 60,000 weddings since it was founded 25 years ago. "When you marry 120,000 brides and grooms, occasionally you might get a little problem here and a problem there," he said.

Big Happie Hair, a company producing the hair-volumizing insert the "Bumpit." Eight complaints, two unanswered.

The BBB said the complaints relate to billing problems, but company founder Kelly Fitzpatrick said she thought her company's inclusion on the list was unfair, given the high sales volume.

The company has sold 9 million sets of its product and has partnered with sleeved-blanket Snuggie.

"In that context, two unresolved complaints isn't bad," Fitzpatrick said.

She said customers who complained have been given refunds and free Bumpits but refuse to remove their complaints.

The company moved its distribution center from Fresno to Reno, Nev., but is working on a new product in Fresno.

KickzandGear, a Fresno-based Internet shopping company selling sneakers and sportswear. Thirteen complaints, 12 unanswered.

Complaints stem from problems with delivery, quality and attitude.

The company did not return a call seeking comment.

The Allergy Center, a Clovis-based vacuum-cleaner dealer. Twelve complaints, one unresolved.

Bookkeeper Carol Czapla said complaints stem from the children of people who buy the vacuum cleaners -- even though the buyers love the product.

"Then here comes the son or the daughter or somebody that is upset because they spent money and bought that," she said. "We get the feeling, 'Is the old gal spending their inheritance?' "

Partner John Van Horn said the company works with the BBB on all complaints.

Vacation Marketing, a Fresno-based time-share company. Eleven complaints, seven unanswered. Complaining customers say they did not get airline tickets and vacation packages they were charged for.

The company could not be reached for comment.

Tower Pest Control, a Fresno-based pest control company. Eight complaints, one unresolved, three unanswered.

Customers complained they unknowingly signed up for a one-year contract the company didn't want to cancel.

The company did not return a call seeking comment.

RMR Group, a loan modification company with an office in Fresno. Seven complaints, six unanswered.

Customers complained that they paid money and were promised their homes would be saved, but could not reach the company again.

The company could not be reached for comment.

Central California Spas, a spa dealer in Bakersfield. Twenty-three complaints, two unresolved.

Owner Erick Johnson said a spa service subcontractor ripped off customers. He said the company has hired a new subcontractor, worked with affected customers and already has boosted its BBB rating.

Micro-Gems.net, a magazine sales company in Bakersfield. Seventeen complaints, all unanswered, regarding nondelivery of magazines.

The company could not be reached for comment.

Open Grave Records, an Internet shopping company in California City, Kern County. Seven complaints, five unanswered.

The company could not be reached for comment.

Ashley Furniture's Bakersfield store. Twelve complaints, one unresolved and one unanswered.

Complaints stem from delivery problems. The company did not return a call seeking comment.