I'm having a HORRIBLE day...need more advice...

The main issue here seems to be that Anthony believes the package being late was to blame for the death of the snake.
This may be true, however in this situation, fault does not convey responsibility. It can just as easily be taken to the next level of thinking and say Anthony is at fault for using FedEx to begin with.
FedEx does not accept snakes period, let alone guarantee live arrival. By Anthony's decision to use this carrier he took the full burden of this responsibility upon himself. It makes no difference if the package was misrouted and took a week to arrive, the fault may lie with the carrier, but the responsibility lies solely with the shipper.

When using overnight carriers, as I do myself, the shipper must realize this responsibility. Many try to shirk this by including the clause "not responsible for carrier delays" in their terms. As far as I'm concerned this is nothing more that a pathetic attempt to avoid backing up what they sell when this situation arises.
If you don't want the repsonsibility of guaranteeing live arival under all circumstances, including carrier delay, then ship via air cargo only. Otherwise take responsibility for your choices as a shipper or don't ship live animals.
The customer is due either a full refund or replacement at no cost to him.

Clay Davenport
http://www.arbreptiles.com

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (jefjen @ Sep. 04 2002,23:03)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Damn,,Anthony,,,maybe you need to take a mini-vacation,,,sounds like you have had a rough week dude!!! Anyway,,,it is not your fault the animal died,,however,,it is your responsibility...I am sure that you will rectify this,,as you said you would...Next time,,put a cold pack in the box,,just to be safe...It is better for the animal to be high 60s,,than high 90s...Snakes canrecover from being too cold,,but its hard to recover from over-heating...I only ship U.P.S.((unless is a high dollar animal))and i have never had a problem with them((u.p.s.)) Take care of the problem,,and you will be well respected for it!!!</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Thank you for taking notice that yesterday was probably no fun for me.

I've never had a problem with any animal I have ever sold, and then BAM! Yesterday was hell on wheels. &nbsp; &nbsp;And, on top of all that, I'm in the middle of buying a house...and that's a pain too.

But, this is done. &nbsp;As soon as I see a picture of the snake, I'm refunding the money, period, end of story.

As for all you self proclaimed "perfect" people who have so wisely pointed out that I had two problems yesterday. &nbsp;Yes, Thank you all. I realize that, and I've taken responsibility by giving refunds to both parties, and have not ever told my customers that I would not. &nbsp; I simply asked what you all thought about the situations. &nbsp;

I'm really glad that the people who actually had money on the line here (my customers) were more understanding than you sorry sacks of goat manure. &nbsp; And please, do me a favor and never ask to do business with me. &nbsp;<img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'>

Cost of doing business plain and simple Anthony. &nbsp;If you are going to be a seller you have to back them 100%. &nbsp;That means a cheerful full refund or a replacement animal at your complete expense (shipping included) no ifs, ands or buts. &nbsp;

John Schmitt

Suncoast Herpetological

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Suncoast Herpetological @ Sep. 05 2002,13:06)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
OK, This is enough.

I wish you guys would read past the first three or four comments before you make a contribution. &nbsp;I already said that I was planning on refunding the money.

Anthony,

You came to everyone here for information, and that is exactly what you have received. You comment </span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I'm really glad that the people who actually had money on the line here (my customers) were more understanding than you sorry sacks of goat manure.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'> was very childish and immature. You really should try to maintain a professional attitude no matter what. &nbsp;I understand your upset that people keep posting their opinions but THAT IS WHAT YOU ASKED FOR. (our opinions)

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Rob @ RK Reptiles @ Sep. 05 2002,14:40)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Anthony,

You came to everyone here for information, and that is exactly what you have received. You comment </span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I'm really glad that the people who actually had money on the line here (my customers) were more understanding than you sorry sacks of goat manure.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'> was very childish and immature. You really should try to maintain a professional attitude no matter what. spam_I understand your upset that people keep posting their opinions but THAT IS WHAT YOU ASKED FOR. (our opinions)</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Rob,

My words were harsh, but in short, I'm not here to win a popularity contest among the ignorant.

When I say "ignorant", I am referring to those who don't have enough of an attention span to read the whole story before making attacks on my character.

Yes, I asked a question, meaning that I wanted people's input on the situation...not personal attacks on my character. &nbsp;I took the input that I received and I did exactly what everyone here has recommended.

I believe that I've said enough about this. &nbsp;Take it how you will.

Personally Anthony,
&nbsp; I don't think anyone was attacking your character. I also recall reading that you were thinking that half of the money refunded to your customer would be enough and not that you intended on giving him a full refund. Everyone was just trying to help you out by telling you what they would do in your situation,which apeared to be what you were asking of everyone. Your post was very immature and will probably not win you any popularity contest. I would not do business with you with that attitude personally. I am sure you will have some words to say to me now, but choose them carefully. Remember other people are reading this too.

Anthony - Come on guy, you asked for advice and that's what you got ! spam_Calling people manure isn't solving a thing. spam_Now since you walked into this one with one of your quotes, I've just got to take advantage of it to brighten your day

[And please, do me a favor and never ask to do business with me. ]

Now speaking for myself, I'm currently not in the market for purchasing deceased snakes there guy spam_<img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

Later, Stephen Emerick
Napa Valley Snakes

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (napavalleysnakes @ Sep. 05 2002,19:58)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Anthony - Come on guy, you asked for advice and that's what you got ! spam_Calling people manure isn't solving a thing. spam_Now since you walked into this one with one of your quotes, I've just got to take advantage of it to brighten your day

[And please, do me a favor and never ask to do business with me. ]

Now speaking for myself, I'm currently not in the market for purchasing deceased snakes there guy spam_<img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

Later, Stephen Emerick
Napa Valley Snakes</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Stephen-

Yes, I asked for advice. &nbsp;I didn't ask to be attacked on a ethical level...in fact, the whole reason I asked is because I want to be fair. &nbsp;If you can't understand that, go join the rest of the people in the manure category. <img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> &nbsp;LOL (I'm trying to joke, yet make a point here.)

And really...Why are you making me spell this out? &nbsp;

Nobody purchased a deceased snake. I said yesterday that the money will be refunded, and it will.

Please tell me. &nbsp;What more can I do?

For someone who wanted advice on two different subjects you don't recieve it well. &nbsp;By lashing out at people who are doing exactly what you asked of them you are showing your a** so to speak. &nbsp;If you want to insult me you are more than welcome to because after reading your responses I could care less if you are a hobbyist or a breeder or dealer, either way I want nothing to do with you. &nbsp;Next time you post and you are looking for advice do us all a favor and let us know in advance that you only want some of us to respond ... and don't forget to include a list of people so the wrong people don't accidentley reply to your specific post. &nbsp;And by the way the manure thing .... wasn't funny, you have a poor sense of humor in my opinion.


Gary Walsch
Sunshine State Reptiles