Deadbeat Trader...

Here we go again!  

Exotic Reptiles of Sewell, NJ. Emailaddress: exoticreptiles@earthlink.net Carson Phelps/Bill Mooney  

This person/persons (I believe they are one in the same) advertise on Kingsnake.com under the Trade classifieds. They offer non reptile items for trade towards reptiles.  

Back in late September, I worked a deal with this individual for my snakes for their items. Trade value, $250. I sent the snakes via Airborne on 9/30. The items I was to receive were to be sent at the same time. They were not. Almost a week later I was informed my package was on the way via Priority Mail, insured, with delivery conformation. A week later, no box. Emailed them asking about the delay, claimed the "mail is slow". I knew better, but gave them the benefit of the doubt.  
 Another week passes, no box. Email again, this time I am told box was lost but found in Washington. Box was supposenly readdressed correctly, and resent to me. Another week passed, nothing. Slightly pissed now, I email once again demanding my items or a money order for $250. Hear back asking if I would give it a couple more days. Me being the easy going, Saint I am, grant his request. Nothing arrives.  
 This past Sunday, 11/03, I receive an email stating the box was returned to sender. I was also told box would be sent via Airborne overnite for delivery today, 11/5. Well, guess what?? You'll never believe this, but it is true, for reals, NO BOX ARRIVED! Over 6 weeks have passed. Enough is enough, time for action.

Through this whole ordeal, no tracking or conformation numbers could be supplied. As always, I have proof of this disastor in the form of emails and airbill.

One last note of importance. The snakes I sent were addressd to a Bill Mooney. Most emails I recieved came from a Carson Phelps, but one came from Bill. I believe them to be the same child.  

TTFN,  
Don Mercer

Don.... it really IS a shame that this has to happen again.... BUT.... I'm sorry, man, but I have NO sympathy for you what-so-ever.... you shipped "first" (same day = same thing), with someone you DON'T know! You made your own bed, buddy.... hope you learned something from it?? Don't do it again!!

....Neil

Neil,
I am not going to defend Don, but the facts here.  How many people have done a deal and shipped the same day.  You hear about it every day.  In MOST cases it works out to be fine.  I have done it before.
That is like saying you bought a snake, sent the money first, and got screwed.  Is that the buyers fault?

Not attacking you, I agree with alot of what you say.  You tend to be a thinker, but this is different than a breeder loan or something like that.
Be good!
Brian Oakley

But, Brian.... it was Exotic Reptiles that had their ad on the "Trade" section.... which means THEY initiated the trade??? THEY SHIP FIRST! As I've said.... personally, if I don't know you, YOU will either ship first, or there's no deal! Period. End of story.... there's NOTHING that I need that badly.... You've got to EARN your trust with me (or anybody, for that matter).... after that, I'll send you a $600 snake and not worry about being paid for 2-3 weeks! THAT'S trust! (Right, buddy? lol).... But, if I DON'T know you.... I'm sorry, but, I HATE HINDSIGHT?? I will always go under the assumption that they WILL rip me off.... and nobody is going to rip me off, if I have anything to say about it.... and in this instance.... I DO!!.... I can REFUSE the deal??.... Again.... nobody can take advantage of you unless you let them....

....Neil

Neil,
For the sake of a good DEBATE, not a good INSULT sesion, I thoroughly enjoy your posts and you and I have talked many times before so you know where I am coming from.
ANYTIME in your past, did you ever buy from someone you did not know?  THis can happen in a regular old purchase.  I send you money and you do not send the goods.  The result can happen in many ways.  A trade (same day or not), a purchase, etc.  Do you see where I am coming from?
Who knows what can happen.  
Before you respond with this, I know you may not buy from as many people as you used to and/or know the ones TO buy from.  I am in the same boat, but it CAN happen to anyone.
I amnot sure who this Don guy knows and does not know, but it is still a flat a$$ bummer that there are trash like this.
Brian Oakley

Brian.... You're absolutely correct! Everybody does deals like this once in a while.... but, that's my point?? If you DO decide to do that, you're admittedly taking a chance, are you not? If, by some "slim miracle", you get ripped off.... you took the chance, and you lost.... As much as I like Don.... I don't think he should be blamming Exotic totally.... Donny, unfortunately, is responsible for HALF the blame here?? They both took the chance and Donny lost?? That's the price you pay.... That's poker, boys!

All I can say is, take it on the chin, and hopefully learn from it??

....Neil

Why don't we make that, "blaming"! Ooops!

....Neil

Let me ask you this and then we can part ways and remain friends.

IF (just work with me here not saying you would do this) I sent you $250 for "X" snake and you never sent the snake, is that my fault or yours.  A trade is a trade as well as it is a purchase.  You are just sending a different form of payment.

Lay it on me Neil! &nbsp;<img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>
Brian Oakley

Brian.... that's a different scenario all together, because in that instance the purchaser is initiating the purchase by offering to buy the animal.... HE SHIPS FIRST (whether cash or animal), or, he can choose NOT TO! Do you see the difference?

If YOU initiate the trade, YOU SHIP FIRST... (or choose not to)....
If THEY initiate the trade, THEY SHIP FIRST....
NEVER EVER, EVER ship same time, same day! That's a rip-off waiting to happen!

What I'm getting at is that you have to take responsibility for your own actions.... if you choose to take the chance and ship first, fine.... but, if you get ripped off, don't come here and complain about it?? You were half way responsible for making this happen.... Now, I realize &nbsp;that this is the BOI, and that's what this site is for.... so, in this instance, it's like a "Catch-22"....

....Neil

<img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='???'>

Well, what I am about to say will make this whole debate WORTHLESS. &nbsp;I do see your point, but I guess I know how honest I am and I have a harrd time swallowing others who are not.

I went back and read Don's post. &nbsp;I MAY be wrong, but he sad he saw a ad on the trade classifieds. &nbsp;I am ASSUMING he initiated the deal, therefor he would not be at fault. &nbsp;He DID get screwed, but followed the path you too would take. &nbsp;he saw an ad, made a trade for something SOMEONE ELSE had and got screwed.

Brian Oakley