TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE WITH ALLEN BELCHER OF FURS FEATHERS & FINS PET STORE!!!

THINK TWICE BEFORE MAKING A PURCHASE FROM THIS SELLER!!!

I recently bought three ball pythons from Allen Belcher of Furs Feathers & Fins pet shop located in Phenix City, AL. His username is simply “Allen” on Reptibid at the time we conducted business. Please note my package arrived on 2/22/05, so this was a recent purchase. He seemed like a trustworthy, responsible fellow, but proved to be FAR from it. I was supposed to receive three 1500g LTC female animals, however, two of them were LESS than 900g and the third was barely 1,100g. Furthermore, he clearly stated all his animals are treated upon arrival for internal and external parasites for six months, however, I found ticks on one of the animals. Also, all three animals act like wild caught specimens by displaying wild caught behavior when approached.

Now, the animals I have will need to be treated for internal and external parasites. Also, one of the animals looks to have a burn mark on the ventral side of the tail. Next, there are a series of wounds that look recent along the spine of the animal. I will have to purchase the correct size food for these animals which will run me about $15.00 per week from a pet store, or I will have to buy a large lot from a frozen supply company and hope they eat. If the reptiles would have been 1500g as discussed I would have frozen food in the appropriate size. Do you want these complications when you buy pythons? Of course not, especially after putting your trust in someone only to have him spit in your face. These animals were not cared for properly, and I am convinced he was fully aware of it.

He seemed willing to work with me up to the last minute when I demanded my $400.00 back. He REFUSED! In addition, he wanted me to pay $95.00 ( non refundable ) to have these animals shipped back to him before he would send a new group. If you have a problem after making a purchase from this person would you want to be responsible for shipping expenses after receiving a group of misrepresented animals? Then risk receiving another group of poorly cared for animals. If these three are poorly cared for then chances are all of his animals are poorly cared for. Hell, even after I agreed to pay the shipping he still REFUSED to refund my money. This guy does not understand customer satisfaction and in my opinion, he will take advantage of a buyer whenever the opportunity arises. He can talk the talk so BE CAREFUL!!! I wrote this to inform others of Mr. Allen Belcher’s business ethics ( or lack thereof ) and help aid individuals in making there own decision. The comments written prior to this are factual and in my opinion this seller is purposefully selling animals in a deceitful manner. Please be careful and recall my misfortune BEFORE you buy something from Mr. Allen Belcher or his pet store, Furs Feathers and Fins. It could save you a lot of time, money, and headaches.

Todd

Caveat emptor...indeed.

Did you buy them off of Reptibid, or from him privately?

Well, I saw several posts from him on Reptibid. As a result, I contacted him and told him what I had in mind. We worked out a deal over the phone, so there was not a bid on the auction site.

Unless you have emails or something similar to prove you didn't get the animals that were described to you, you may be out of luck. I don't think you should be responsible for return shipping on animals that were misrepresented.

I suppose you could charge them back on your credit card, and then I'll bet he's willing to pay the shipping to get them back.

Terese,

I am going to suck it up and keep the animals. I could drive to his pet shop one weekend as it is maybe a 5 hour drive. Chances are I will wind up getting arrested as a result - I AM FURIOUS!!! Besides, these animals are lucky to have fallen in my care and not return to this loser who obviously does not care for his animals. Financially, if I can get these back to health they will be worth what I paid by next Fall. Also, they should breed by then, so I simply have to postpone my breeding projects. Two of these females were to by mating with a friends Pastel NOW. So much for that! I wanted others to know this in an attempt to prevent future hardships. Live and Learn.

There are many ball python breeders, so I hope others will take this into consideration before making a purchase from someone like Allen Belcher.

Are they the correct sex?

LOL! Excellent question! Truth is I do not own a set of probes, but a good friend does. He is coming to the house this weekend and I am praying they are the correct sex. It would not surprise me if they are not. If I have males that trip to Alabama may become a realization. Thank you for showing a concern.

Todd

What, if any, guarantees did you discuss with him? What about his TOS? Does he have a website and are they stated on the site?

Wendy,

Honestly, this was not something mentioned. His website is supposedly under construction, so no help there. I think the TOS is as follows: I will tell you what you want to hear and take your money! My experience with internet buying is the written words mean nothing. Someone with an honest spirit is going to do the right thing no matter the circumstance. My main goal by posting this thread is to save others from the hardship it has caused me.

Take care,
Todd