POLL: About the snake that died in shipping...

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (napavalleysnakes @ Sep. 06 2002,16:24)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Anthony - I believe that even if you don't receive compensation from Fed-Ex, you need to refund the money.
My reasoning is this:
1) You replied you would
2) If you are building a name in the business, this is a really good way to start off. spam_Think of this customer, this board, and those who read/hear from either. spam_What will they say if you don't replace the animal ? spam_What will they say if you do ?
I know what my response is. spam_To have repeat customers you need to keep them satisfied. spam_There are some pretty shady sorts out there, but being an optimist, I think they are in the minority.
3) For your own peace of mind. spam_You will never know if they took you or not for the animal, but at the same time, you will know that you rectified the situation to the best of your ability.

Stephen Emerick
Napa Valley Snakes</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
1) Sort of...but that isn't at all why I'm refunding the money.

2) I agree. &nbsp;Although I have no current plans to make a living dealing with reptiles, I sure don't want anyone to be afraid to buy a snake or two from me...even if I don't need them as a customer.

I feel the same way. &nbsp;For every scammer out there, there are 100 good people. &nbsp;Maybe I'm naive, but that's how I see it. &nbsp;But that's still not why I'm giving the full refund.

3) &nbsp;This is where you really hit the nail on the head. &nbsp;I would rather KNOW that I have NEVER screwed anyone out of anything, than just KNOW that I didn't get screwed on this particular deal.

It feels good to be able to put up a $100 reward to anyone that can find one person to say that you did them wrong, when your ethics are being attacked...and to know that you won't be out that $100. &nbsp; <img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

Anthony

Much better to err on the side of caution. &nbsp;You are right. &nbsp;there is a small chance this guy is a scammer. &nbsp;However, you mentioned that the shipment did arrive late on a 90 degree plus day. &nbsp;The odds are pretty good that the guy is on the level. &nbsp;Chalk it off to cost of doing business and good karma and let it go. &nbsp;You will probably make up the loss on future sales to the gentleman out of good will if nothing else.

John Schmitt

Suncoast Herpetological