The local Better Business Bureau has released its annual list of Charlotte-area businesses with the most unanswered or unresolved complaints in 2011.

The list serves as a heads-up to consumers about customer service, according to the BBB.

"The majority of businesses in our area work to resolve complaints," said Tom Bartholomy, president of the BBB Southern Piedmont. "However, there are businesses that don't respond to, or resolve consumer complaints."

Businesses are contacted three ways about consumer complaints - by email, telephone and certified mail - before being placed on the list, according to BBB spokeswoman Janet Hart.

The businesses on the list are:

Home Appliance Repair, Coachwood Lane, Gastonia: This business tops the list with 13 unanswered and unresolved complaints in 2011. Consumers paid $150 to $927 to Michael D. Henderson for appliance repairs they say were not done properly or at all, according to the bureau.

The business phone number listed for Home Appliance Repair now goes to an animal hospital. Attempts to reach Henderson at several home phone numbers listed were unsuccessful.

Queen City Appliance Repair, Mandy Place Court, Charlotte: Benny Stafford had 11 unanswered or unresolved complaints for appliance repairs that customers say were not done properly or at all, according to the bureau.

Stafford told the Observer, "I'm sure I took care of the customers. I just didn't speak with the Better Business Bureau." (Queen City Appliance Repair is not affiliated with Queen City Audio Video & Appliances.)

Mechanical Security Solutions, PO Box 115, Bessemer City: BBB says consumers and businesses from 10 states ordered copper-guard security enclosures for air-conditioning units ranging in price from $400 to $1,500. Customers say they did not receive the products ordered, according to the bureau. The company phone line is "temporarily unavailable," according to a recording. Company contact Dean West couldn't be reached for comment.

Home-Tek Handyman, LLC, River Road, Hickory: Ten homeowners filed complaints that have been unresolved and unanswered, according to the bureau, which adds that complaints cite Chris Robinson for poor quality work or failing to show up.

Since 2008, 35 total complaints have been filed, according to the BBB.

Robinson told the Observer: "I know about the complaints, but they've all been resolved except for eight of them."

"... We do over 2,000 jobs a year. I've done over 15,000 jobs since I've been in Hickory ... Any problems, my customers call me. I just don't report back to the Better Business Bureau that they've been taken care of."

Voice for Inmates, PO Box 399, Shelby: Inmates and their families paid owner Darnell Barber $60 to $100 for messaging services and personal websites allowing them to communicate. The company had eight unanswered and unresolved complaints last year. Customers say they did not receive timely services, or any service at all, according to the BBB. A phone representative hung up when the Observer called asking to speak to Barber.

Mutt Huttz, 513 Maymont Drive, Cramerton: This company has seven unanswered or unresolved complaints last year, with consumers saying they did not receive custom-made dog crate covers that averaged $100, according to the BBB. A phone message for owner Betty Hauser wasn't returned, and an email to the company bounced back.

Harrelson Nissan, Cherry Road, Rock Hill: The car dealership had six unanswered or unresolved complaints in 2011, according to the BBB. General manager Brian Stewart, at the dealership since May, said the complaints stem from previous management and the dealership is working to resolve them. Stewart also said "we weren't receiving all the complaints" from the BBB.

After being contacted by the Observer about the bureau's listing, the dealership contacted the bureau. Hart, the BBB spokeswoman, said late Monday afternoon the dealership's rating would change from an F to NR for no rating, "since he indicated a willingness to respond to and resolve the complaints."

Green Eco Solutions of N.C. Inc, Eagleton Downs Drive, Pineville: BBB lists five open complaints for poor workmanship or incomplete jobs from this window and roofing replacement business. Jobs ranged from $800 to $11,000, according to the bureau.

A recording says the business phone line is "unavailable"; attempts to reach company contact Joe Stoffey were unsuccessful.

M2Host.com, Piper Lane, Charlotte: Five complaints were unanswered or unresolved for this business, which provides website hosting and domain registration services. A recording says the business phone line is "busy." Emails sent to the website's sales and web design departments weren't returned.