I tried to purchase an Eastern Indigo snake from Jeff Jones and when he lost the snake he wouldn't return my $500 deposit.
Here is a copy of both sides of the check with personal info removed.
Email correspondence. No mention was made of a deposit refund policy and as of the posting of this thread there is nothing on his site about this either. I made screen shots in case this changes.
Emails follow:
enjoyed speaking with you earlier this evening. I just visited your website and I'd like one of the new male hatchlings. What's the best way to get the deposit to you?
Thanks!
Laurie Hyatt
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From: jeff jones [mailto:z3zoo@mtco.com]
Sent: Saturday, May 05, 2007 7:35 PM
To: laurie
Subject: Re: indigo
Hi,
Yes,
I planned to list some on Kingsnake this week. You emailed at the right time. I don't plan on them lasting long.
I have 9 eastern Indigo eggs incubating and 8 Texas Indigo this year.
They will hatch June 14 - thru July 14. These will be 750 male and 1000.00 for female or 1650.00 a pair
I also have Texas indigo and yellow and black tail cribos, the South American Indigos for sale.
I currently have a 2006 male eastern indigo --800.00
and a 1999 female for sale she is about 7 ft --2500.00
These could be obtained now, the eggs I will be taking a 250.00 deposit on and either ship when they hatch or once feeding on pinkies, buyers choice. Some people prefer to start there own and others want them feeding on pinkies before taking possession.
Please check out my new sight. It is still under construction but its a start.
www.drymarchonsnakes.com
Thanks,
Jeff Jones
IL
[PERSONAL CONTACT REMOVED]
----- Original Message -----
From: laurie
To:
z3zoo@mtco.com
Sent: Friday, May 04, 2007 3:39 PM
Subject: indigo
Hello,
I'm looking for an indigo snake. Do you have any for sale?
Thank you,
Laurie Hyatt
From: jeff jones [mailto:z3zoo@mtco.com]
Sent: Monday, May 14, 2007 4:34 PM
To: laurie
Subject: Re: indigos
I totally understand. The 500.00 check arrived today. All is well with the eggs and one male is what I will put on reserve. I figure next day shipping back to you will be some where around 30-40.00 dollars I will get the specifics when they hatch. I will figure only 250.00 plus shipping is due at hatch then. If you decide to pick up the female down the road I will honor the deal of 850.00 plus shipping when you are ready. How does that sound.
Also keep me posted on the paper work from Victoria Davis. I will email you as soon as they hatch. Your funds arrived here first and so you will get the first male. I believe 5 will be placed by end of the week.
I may sell out this year but keep me in mind down the road on a female. I will keep your information on file.
Thanks,
Jeff
----- Original Message -----
From: laurie
To: 'jeff jones'
Sent: Monday, May 14, 2007 12:03 PM
Subject: indigos
Hi Jeff,
Just checking to see if my check arrived and also to ask if it would be a big problem to go back to my original plan of getting the one male only (sorry for changing my mind again!). It's a bit much financially for me. I really do apologize and hope this doesn't cause any issues.
Hope all is going well with the babies to be!
Thanks again for everything,
Laurie
Excellent - thanks so much! I will definitely keep this in mind and maybe try again next year. I really would love to have a breeding pair eventually.
Laurie
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: jeff jones [mailto:z3zoo@mtco.com]
Sent: Monday, May 14, 2007 4:34 PM
To: laurie
Subject: Re: indigos
I totally understand. The 500.00 check arrived today. All is well with the eggs and one male is what I will put on reserve. I figure next day shipping back to you will be some where around 30-40.00 dollars I will get the specifics when they hatch. I will figure only 250.00 plus shipping is due at hatch then. If you decide to pick up the female down the road I will honor the deal of 850.00 plus shipping when you are ready. How does that sound.
Also keep me posted on the paper work from Victoria Davis. I will email you as soon as they hatch. Your funds arrived here first and so you will get the first male. I believe 5 will be placed by end of the week.
I may sell out this year but keep me in mind down the road on a female. I will keep your information on file.
Thanks,
Jeff
----- Original Message -----
From: laurie
To: 'jeff jones'
Sent: Monday, May 14, 2007 12:03 PM
Subject: indigos
Hi Jeff,
Just checking to see if my check arrived and also to ask if it would be a big problem to go back to my original plan of getting the one male only (sorry for changing my mind again!). It's a bit much financially for me. I really do apologize and hope this doesn't cause any issues.
Hope all is going well with the babies to be!
Thanks again for everything,
Laurie
Great - I'll send the first check out today! I have a copy of the permit in PDF format. Do you know which pages need to be filled out? I only printed out the first one but I'm not sure what else is needed. Also, do I send the form to you or directly to the Department of the Interior, US Fish and Wildlife? I attached the form that was sent to me.
I honestly don't remember where I found you but it might have been kingsnake.com.
Laurie
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From: jeff jones [mailto:z3zoo@mtco.com]
Sent: Monday, May 07, 2007 4:46 AM
To: laurie
Subject: Re: indigo
That would be fine with me.
I will put a pair on hold and await the initial 500.00 retaining fee. If you need any additional information from me for the permit, just let me know. I wanted to ask, how did you get my name/email? Its nice to know what advertisement works the best. Generally it word of mouth with these.
Thanks
Jeff
----- Original Message -----
From: laurie
To: 'jeff jones'
Sent: Sunday, May 06, 2007 12:51 PM
Subject: RE: indigo
If it's okay, I'd like to go with male/female pair. Since it's going to take awhile to get the permit that will give me time to get the money to you. Would you mind if I make payments each month? I was told it will take up to 90 days to get the permit so I was thinking of sending $500 per month. Please let me know if this is all right with you.
Thanks!
Laurie
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: jeff jones [mailto:z3zoo@mtco.com]
Sent: Sunday, May 06, 2007 10:28 AM
To: laurie
Subject: Re: indigo
Hi,
you can send 250.00 as deposit on one male 2007 eastern Indigo.
I will email you as soon as they hatch. The other 500.00 will be due once he hatches with shipping cost for next day delivery by Fed Ex or DHL your choice.
My name & Address is:
Jeff Jones
[PERSONAL CONTACT REMOVED]
----- Original Message -----
From: laurie
To: 'jeff jones'
Sent: Sunday, May 06, 2007 12:23 AM
Subject: RE: indigo
I enjoyed speaking with you earlier this evening. I just visited your website and I'd like one of the new male hatchlings. What's the best way to get the deposit to you?
Thanks!
Laurie Hyatt
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: jeff jones [mailto:z3zoo@mtco.com]
Sent: Saturday, May 05, 2007 7:35 PM
To: laurie
Subject: Re: indigo
Hi,
Yes,
I planned to list some on Kingsnake this week. You emailed at the right time. I don't plan on them lasting long.
I have 9 eastern Indigo eggs incubating and 8 Texas Indigo this year.
They will hatch June 14 - thru July 14. These will be 750 male and 1000.00 for female or 1650.00 a pair
I also have Texas indigo and yellow and black tail cribos, the South American Indigos for sale.
I currently have a 2006 male eastern indigo --800.00
and a 1999 female for sale she is about 7 ft --2500.00
These could be obtained now, the eggs I will be taking a 250.00 deposit on and either ship when they hatch or once feeding on pinkies, buyers choice. Some people prefer to start there own and others want them feeding on pinkies before taking possession.
Please check out my new sight. It is still under construction but its a start.
www.drymarchonsnakes.com
Thanks,
Jeff Jones
IL
[PERSONAL CONTACT REMOVED]
----- Original Message -----
From: laurie
To:
z3zoo@mtco.com
Sent: Friday, May 04, 2007 3:39 PM
Subject: indigo
Hello,
I'm looking for an indigo snake. Do you have any for sale?
Thank you,
Laurie Hyatt
What follows here is the Federal Permit application information:
This is a new application for an Interstate Commerce permit. I understand that the application fee is $100.
A. For Wildlife:
1. Provide the common and scientific names of the species being requested for
coverage in the permit and their status (endangered (E) or threatened (T)).
Status: Threatened.
Common name: Eastern Indigo.
Scientific name: Drymarchon couperi.
2. Identify the activity sought to be authorized for each species.
Purchasing male and female as companions and for breeding purposes.
3. Provide the sex, birth date, birth place, age, number of specimens, and identifying
features (e.g., band number, collar number, scars, tattoo number, etc.).
4. Provide the name, address and telephone number of the seller.
Jeff Jones
[PERSONAL CONTACT REMOVED]
5. State whether the wildlife has been captively bred or removed from the wild.
Captive bred.
6. Provide the expected time needed to complete transaction(s).
7. Provide a complete description with photographs and/or diagrams of the area and
facilities where wildlife will be held in captivity, and description of arrangements
for care during transportation and maintenance.
Each will be kept in a separate 40 gallon tank with locking mesh lids and proper lighting, heating, substrate, hide boxes, and water containers.
8. Describe experience with breeding this or similar species in the past.
I have not bred any reptiles yet.
9. Provide the full names of person(s) who will care for live specimens, including
any experience in raising, caring for, and propagating similar wildlife.
Laurie A. Hyatt: I have been caring for 6 reptiles (3 snakes, 3 lizards) for over 5 years and they are all in excellent health.
10. List mortalities resulting from your activities with these or similar species in the
last 2 years. Provide an explanation of each mortality event and the procedures
employed or modified to eliminate any future mortality events.
No mortalities within the last 2 years.
11. Indicate your willingness to participate in a cooperative breeding or propagation
program or to contribute data to a database or studbook.
I would like to participate in any programs available.
12. Provide a statement from the wildlife breeder that the wildlife was bred at their home/facility. This statement must include the name and address of the breeder,
date of birth or hatch, band number or any other identifying marks or characteristics.
Jeff Jones
[PERSONAL CONTACT REMOVED]
13. Please provide detailed information on how you propose to manage your breeding
stock to uniquely identify all progeny, and to ensure that the genetic diversity and
integrity of your breeding stock are maintained to the maximum extent possible.
More emails:
Woohoo!!! Congratulations "Dad!"
I'm still waiting on the permit.
Laurie
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From: jeff jones [mailto:z3zoo@mtco.com]
Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2007 5:01 PM
To: laurie
Subject: Re: indigos
HI,
The first eastern egg opened this AM,so 109 days for the first egg. The rest of this clutch should hatch over the next 3-5 days and then the Texas are next. I would expect within the next 2 weeks
Jeff
Thanks so much for looking into this Jeff - I really appreciate it. So glad to hear about the babies. I can't wait to see mine in person. This is literally a lifelong dream coming true. I've wanted an Indigo since I was around 7-8 and saw one for the first time.
Do you have any pictures yet?
Laurie
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From: jeff jones [mailto:z3zoo@mtco.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 01, 2007 4:10 PM
To: Laurie Hyatt
Subject: Re: indigos
Hi,
I guess there has been a change in command which has slowed things down. Victoria Davis has stepped down and her replacement isn't up to speed. He tells me there is a large stack of applications awaiting approval and he will try to make it a priority. They do have the applications and they should be processing soon.
Sorry for the delay. The snakes on the other hand just took the first meal last weekend and should be ready to feed again Friday. I will have them feeding on pinkies which should also make it easier for you to care for
Jeff
----- Original Message -----
From: Laurie Hyatt
To: 'jeff jones'
Sent: Saturday, July 28, 2007 9:43 PM
Subject: RE: indigos
The permit still hasn't shown up. Do you have any contact information for the office in your district? I know they got the form - the check cleared my account last month.
How are the babies doing?
Laurie Hyatt
I've got my heart set on that little guy. Next month should be better financially (I don't think there are any more major payments due). Will that be all right? Do you only have the one left? Is he friendly? Are there any pictures?
-----Original Message-----
From:
z3zoo@mtco.com [mailto:z3zoo@mtco.com]
Sent: Wednesday, September 12, 2007 2:45 PM
To: laurie
Subject: RE: indigos
I am sorry I don't have any way to accept credit card at this time.
You have your interstate permit in hand, is it dated for only this year?
Would you prefer to leave the deposit for a 2008 hatch. I will have more of these every year from now on. I am here to stay and would have no problem placing this last baby if you let me know before Oct 15 breeder show at Chicago.
Just let me know,
Thanks,
Jeff
> Hi Jeff,
>
> I'm having a terrible time getting the last $300 together for my
> Eastern Indigo. Do you by chance take credit cards?
>
> Laurie Hyatt
Oh no - I'm sorry to hear that and I hope he's okay! I'm really sorry I took so long to pay for the snake and hope I didn't inconvenience you too much. I guess considering my money situation a refund would be best for now and I could maybe try again next year.
Thank you for being so accommodating and helpful.
Laurie Hyatt
[PERSONAL CONTACT REMOVED]
-----Original Message-----
From: jeff jones [mailto:z3zoo@mtco.com]
Sent: Friday, November 02, 2007 8:43 PM
To: Laurie Hyatt
Subject: Re: indigos
Hi,
Sorry, about the delay. I have received both of your checks and would agree the snake is paid in full. I didn't cash the first check do to the fact that your snake has managed to pop the lid off his container and is free in my house. I figured he would turn up by now. I have had them get out before and usually within a week or two they show up. I keep all my adults in the barn in vision cages but the babies my wife lets me keep inside to make sure they get weekly feedings and to keep a closer eye on them. They are all housed in plastic sweater boxes and he is the last one I had left. I am sorry to bare such news. I didn't feel comfortable cashing either of the checks you sent yet just because I didn't have the snake ready to ship. He is eating great and is well fed and very hardy I am sure he's fine. I can either give this more time, or do a full refund or worse case scenario replace him in 2008.
Let me know what you would like done. We planned to take the kids to see the BEE movie tomorrow and will be out during the day, but I will reply tomorrow evening.
Jeff
----- Original Message -----
From: "Laurie Hyatt" <contact@heavenly-gifts.com>
To: <z3zoo@mtco.com>
Sent: Friday, November 02, 2007 1:41 PM
Subject: RE: indigos
>
> Hello Jeff,
>
> I sent the final check a couple of weeks ago and haven't heard
> anything yet. I also haven't seen the checks come through my bank
> account yet. Please let me know if there is a problem.
>
> Laurie Hyatt
In closing...I don't recommend doing business with this person as he will keep your money and not send you the agreed upon animal! I would like my $500 back plus the $100 for the permit.
Jeff Jones drymarchonsnakes.com
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