Bob Kite & Odyssey Reptiles (BAD GUYS)

[R & B Geckos]

What a shame.
I could be mistaken, but it according to the e-mail exchanges it seems he could be guilty of felony mail fraud since he was paid by a U.S. postal money order. Call your local postmaster general and see how to and if you can file charges. The smartest thing you did was use a postal money order.

Good Luck

 

[Seamus Haley]

IMHO, It doesn't matter whether Ritchie knows them or not. They have been remiss in their duties as a seller.

Ah, but it does...

When there is uncertainty about the likely behaviors of one of the participants in a deal, the only way to gauge how likely they are to properly correct it is to work off past instances where they have been involved in transactions.

Additionally... and Ritchie, please correct me if I'm wrong... it doesn't really sound as if he "knows" them, merely that he has engaged in a few transactions where he sold items to the named individuals, including a disclaimer that the manner a person acts in when buying is not always the manner they act in when selling...

Still, while not crossing lines by any stretch, the post is a "bad guy" post, offering evidence that they are not universally bad is certainly needful in order to establish a complete picture of the situation. While we all spend a lot of time (of the time spent on the board) nailing bad guys to walls and throwing rotten vegetables at them, the good guy aspects of this board are just as important as the bad guy aspects.

I always feel more comfortable dealing with an individual who has had something go wrong and shown themselves willing and capable of fixing it than someone with a truely "perfect" history, there is always a slight chance for mishaps when dealing with live animals and I feel comfortable knowing that, if that accident occurs... I'll be taken care of.

I also know from personal experience and from reading many accounts of it on this very message board that the first time something does go wrong, there is often a bit of confusion about how to really deal with it properly, which can and does cause delays and additional difficulties in finding a reasonable solution. The problem lies in the nature of experience... those who have been kicking around longer have developed an inate sense of how to handle problems, preventing and correcting them based on the specific circumstances involved... The first time a problem occurs, it may not seem as easy to make a decision (and incidentally, the decisions get disagreed about and argued and debated much of the time anyway)... If you move to the GBD forum you can find a number of posts that state you should never issue a refund for a DOA until the physical remains are back in your posession, others that state pictures like those posted are fine, and yet others who simply take their purchasers word rather than risk insult... There are also numerous instances of HALF of a partnership going bad and causing problems... or outside circumstances that inhibit communication and give the appearance of a more signifigant problem when there is merely a delay.

I agree completely that it is the responsibility of all parties involved to properly represent facts and dates, the responsibility of partners to display a single identical set of information and the responsibility of anyone to comply with what they say is true or state they will make true in the future...

Sometimes things happen that make it impossible though.

With all that being said, after three weeks (give or take) something should have been done by now and communication should have been more uniform however... they are still contactable and haven't dissapeared completely... "Had a problem" is certainly warranted... out and out "bad guy"... I guess we'll see if it becomes resolved.

 

[Winter]

I could be mistaken, but it according to the e-mail exchanges it seems he could be guilty of felony mail fraud since he was paid by a U.S. postal money order. Call your local postmaster general and see how to and if you can file charges.

Thanks for the info. I will be sure to look into it if this is not going to be resolved in a professional, responsible manner as it should be.

On another note, I was linking a friend to their website today, and lo and behold, what a change they have made between when this was posted on the BOI and when I checked again:

Odyssey Reptiles

One thing that I keep thinking about is how they told me they have supposedly done "thousands" of reptile transactions. I would think, that if that were true, more people would have replied to this thread having done business with them then just Ritchie, who was the seller, not the buyer. Also, out of ALL of those transactions, how could it be possible that this is the *only* problem they have ever had?

It just doesen't add up.

I will try to give them another call tomorrow...

Regards,

Lauren Rost

 

[HerpVenue]

yeah give them a call and work it out. Good luck to both parties.

 

[tosassi]

I didn't know improper grammar or spelling was illegal. Just because there are some mistakes in their site doesn't make them bad guys. I have known Bob for a long time and have known his partner for a year. I was aware of this transaction and was with Bob when he bought those heat packs, they were 40 hr (2 of them). When he put them in the packing he made sure they were working. AND THOSE SNAKES WERE LIVE WHEN PLACED IN THE BOX. I am not a herp fan not really, Bob just has a couple snakes that I like. One a Bermise that he has had since baby, and another he recieved from a lady that is a red tail. He is quite old , but such a baby, very tame, as tame as snakes can be. I am sure Bob will set this right. I know he is in the middle of a move and I know that doesn't excuse his tardiness, but the matter will be dealt with. Every one is so quick to lay blame and past judgement on the word of one individual. Too bad, that is what gives guys a bad name. This was the first 'death' of any snakes they transported, so of course they. too. are going to take the road of caution, by having their snakes returned before more money changes hands. I think he should return only the 120.00 until the snakes are back with him and he can find out how they died when they died and if they are, in fact, his. That seems the fair thing to do.
Melissa Hoback

 

[ms_terese]

I didn't know improper grammar or spelling was illegal. Just because there are some mistakes in their site doesn't make them bad guys.

It doesn't. It makes them appear careless and unprofessional. That's not a good thing, but it doesn't mean they're bad people.

Every one is so quick to lay blame and past judgement on the word of one individual.

No, there is plenty of documentation to back up her claims.

so of course they. too. are going to take the road of caution, by having their snakes returned before more money changes hands.

Even though Bob didn't initially request that, it seems reasonable, and Lauren agreed to accommodate this request. Unfortunately, she can't send the snakes back without a receipt, which has yet to be provided to her.

Melissa, it's good that other people come here to vouch for a person when something goes wrong. Even the person making the complaint is typically relieved that there are others that will stand up for someone they know: just that alone provides encouragement that they may have made a mistake but are not out to rip anyone off.


Unfortunately, there are some things stacking up quickly against Bob and Odyssey:

1) No promised paperwork with the shipment.
2) No paperwork or receipts after being assured they were sent.
3) No refund after being told it was sent.
4) No tracking number for the refund.
5) No follow up by Bob at all.
6) No follow up by Bob's partner.
7) No contact since 2/19.

I think he should return only the 120.00 until the snakes are back with him

Again, Lauren agreed to return the snakes first as long as she had a receipt. Whose fault is it that she doesn't?

and he can find out how they died

How they died is irrelevant as far as a refund to Lauren is concerned - she sent photos ASAP to prove that the snakes were DOA. Dead snakes should be refunded, period.

when they died

In the posted emails, there is no question as to when they died, most likely because of the timing of the pictures. Is this an issue?

and if they are, in fact, his.

In the posted emails, Bob did not once question that the dead snakes were the ones he shipped. Are you saying this is an issue? If so, why hasn't he informed Lauren of that?

Too bad, that is what gives guys a bad name.

Yes, it is. Unfortunately, this forum is necessary because of people who scam. How long exactly do you think Lauren should have waited before taking further action? The snakes arrived DOA 3 weeks ago. She's been given false information about refunds and about records....how much trust is she supposed to have with this company?

 

[snakeman23_2003]

i'm sorry

DELETED- no full name

 

[OdysseyReptiles]

Hi I am Jeff Terry I have talked to lauren to try to work things out I had know knowledge of the tranaction so i fell that I should have had no part in it. But bob being my partner I tried to help him out and try to hep lauren out i got cought in the middle of this but I wish that phone conversions can be posted on here as easy as emails can. just to let everybody know the first time she called I made it clear that this is bobs transaction and there was nothing I could do. After hearing her story I felt compassion for her and offered her two more boes from Odyssey Reptiles. she replied she wanted her money back I said that any money would have to come out of bobs pocket. It is true I would refund her money mind you having know knowledge of this transaction and nothing to do with it. I told her that I would send her recipts overnight I live out in the country and got stranded at my house due to snow. They are in the mail and should arrive tomarrow I am sorry for all this and I want to get it worked out as soon as possible but my hands are tied untill I get those snakes. upon arrivel of the snakes I WILL GIVE HER A REFUND and if she wants it a beautiful 5' female boa for good measure lauren if you have any questions call me I have never avoided your phone calls
Jeff Terry
Odyssey Reptiles

 

[Christa]

Ummm Yeah

I know this is like beating a dead horse and I don't normally post on the BIO. But what happened to the web page. I click on the link and I get a photo of a snake. Maybe I'm just doing things wrong. But I don't think so.

Secondly, you knew that you had told her that you were sending her out a receipt. When you knew that you where going to be trapped at home why didn't you call her. If you say to me that it was cause you didn't have her number well then when you first got a chance why didn't you call her?

Third and most important. IF my business partner was SCREWING up my reputation like this I'd be on the phone with him. Trying to track him down and doing anything in my POWER to save the name of my company. As it is now you look like a fool and that you don't really care cause over all it wasn't YOUR DEAL.

Well now it is YOUR DEAL. Your name is apart of this company too, and you look just as bad as Bob.

Just my .02 cents

Christa Rucker

 

[gila7150]

But bob being my partner

That's correct, you two are partners in a business.

the first time she called I made it clear that this is bobs transaction and there was nothing I could do.

Huh? You guys are partners in a business. She didn't buy the snakes from Bob...she bought them from Oddessey Reptiles.

I told her that I would send her recipts overnight I live out in the country and got stranded at my house due to snow.

Did the snow also knock out your phone service and email?

upon arrivel of the snakes I WILL GIVE HER A REFUND

I hope so. Frankly, I don't understand why some dealers put the customer through the inconvenience of shipping dead carcasses back to them. Especially when the photos clearly show they are dead and there has been no question that these were the snakes you shipped.
Chris Raden

 

[tkexotics]

this DOA matter

I can understand the doubtfulness of the selling party. (Personal reasons.) I found out about this matter through posting on the BOI thread "tkexotics" that was started about me by Bob Kite. I've clearly proven that post to be a lie, so I can understand Lauren's statement in saying that she cannot trust what is being told to her. I have also added my opinion on DOAs in general at the included link on the forum related to this one.

(((Summary of that forum: "I had two DOA's this past Friday (2-28-2003). I sent receipts to both receiving parties with the animals. I promised a refund, and just sent the two refund checks out today. Take note that this is 5 days after the date of the two deaths. I also take blame for the deaths for I did ship them. I guarantee live arrival, and if a DOA occurs, as did, I require myself to send an immediate refund. I also kept in contact with the two other parties." ----for complete post, please visit this link: http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=48428#post48428 ))))

I do not want to get into the middle of this, as I'm sure many others don't as well; but, I felt the need to post my experiences with a DOA shipping matter, and prove that it is possible to resolve an accident like this, in less then a week. I do not believe that it should take as long as 3 weeks to send a refund, for I live about 5-15 miles away from Jeff and Bob, adn know the weather conditions here. I've also stated in the forum at the link above, that if this is Bob's transaction alone, then it should've been made clear that it was not through the shipping of Odyssey Reptiles. I also have one other comment about what Bob stated in an email to Lauren, but I'm afraid to ask/comment for the fear that Bob will start another lie about me or threaten me (and Jeff's brother-in-law) again....(part of the personal reason)

To Bob: I don't want things to flare up again, as did last time for a reason I still don't know; I just wanted to post my opinion on the DOA matter.

 

[Winter]

Hi folks,

In regards to Jeff's reply, first I would like to say that I am glad someone from Odyssey made it to the BOI. It IS important to see both sides of every story, for better or worse.

I wish that phone conversions can be posted on here as easy as emails can. just to let everybody know the first time she called I made it clear that this is bobs transaction and there was nothing I could do.

And that was part of the reason I was so upset! The animals were shipped to me by Odyssey Reptiles according to the carrier, including an Odyssey Reptiles business card. The partner that sells me the animals dissapears and the other will not help me initially. Not leaving me many choices right there.

After hearing her story I felt compassion for her and offered her two more boes from Odyssey Reptiles.

That is, without a doubt, true. And I replied that I did not wish to have a replacement, but that I would prefer a refund due to the first arrival being DOA. I specifically said that I did not wish to risk the lives of any more animals on my behalf. I did and do not feel that shipping with "Hot Hands," is responsible or appropriate for the weather in Iowa at this time of year.

she replied she wanted her money back I said that any money would have to come out of bobs pocket. It is true I would refund her money mind you having know knowledge of this transaction and nothing to do with it.

And since I had absolutely no way to get in touch with Bob Kite, what options did that leave me?

I had already contacted Jeff several times by phone previous to this latest conversation last Thursday for the whereabouts of Bob Kite after he disappeared on the 19th of February. Part of the reason I waited so long was in the hopes that Jeff would either convince Bob to handle it or that Bob would contact me on his own, both of which never happened.

To be blunt, I probably should not have even bothered. As they are partners in the business, I believe it is fair to expect each person under the name Odyssey Reptiles to be responsible for each and every transaction sold and shipped under that name. The buyer should not have to bite the proverbial bullet because of a miscommunication or problem between two partners of a business.

I told her that I would send her recipts overnight I live out in the country and got stranded at my house due to snow.

Why couldn't you contact me in some fashion between last Thursday and yesterday to let me know? It had been nearly a week! I even told you when I talked to you that since you were going to apparently resolve my problem, I would not include your name on the BOI as a bad guy, but that I still felt that I should warn other buyers from your partner, Bob Kite. You had *every* possible avenue of avoiding this post, but you did nothing to prevent it! And then in the e-mail you send me tonight, you have the gall to tell me that *I* dragged *you* through the mud?

So, after more than three weeks of this, the final straw was when the receipt never arrived. I think I have tried to be more than reasonable and patient with this whole affair.

They are in the mail and should arrive tomarrow

I will keep my eyes open for it.

I am sorry for all this and I want to get it worked out as soon as possible but my hands are tied untill I get those snakes. upon arrivel of the snakes I WILL GIVE HER A REFUND and if she wants it a beautiful 5' female boa for good measure

Jeff, I must admit that I am rather confused right now. This evening you posted this on the BOI and also sent me an e-mail telling me not to bother shipping the snakes back. Which information is correct?

Here is the e-mail I was sent:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subj: I hope to make this better
Date: 3/5/2003 9:46:30 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: [email protected] (Odyssey Reptiles)
To: [email protected]

I thought I had worked this out with you. you will have your refund on tuesday I would like it you would fix the issue in the boi I am not a lier or a theif you involved me in all this and now my name and company is getting dragged through the mud I was stright with you. I Jeff Terry would like to offer you a female boa 5'+ one of my babies for the trouble you went through and hope we have come to a satisfied medien in all this your reciept should be to you tomarrow and don't worry about sending the snakes to us sorry for bobs screw up but I am the one trying to make it better.

Jeff Terry

Bob Kite and Jeff Terry
Owners of Odyssey Reptiles
909 S. 13th Ave. E.
Newton Ia, 50208
1-641-791-4051
1-515-205-2705
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

I don't know how you want me to fix the "issue" on the BOI, but as far as I can see, it will remain. When this has been resolved in a professional manner, I think it is fair to say that you will have done the right thing. But right now, after all of this, I am not willing to take Odyssey Reptiles' word for it until I have some proof that this is, indeed, being taken care of. I feel suspicious, anxious, and upset over this whole affair, which you told me on the phone last Thursday was perfectly understandable.

Thank you, though, for saying that you are willing to set this straight. That is a BIG step in the right direction. Keep in touch.

Regards,

Lauren

 

[Stardust]

The phone works both ways. Maybe he Jeff did not dodge Laurens call but he certainly didn't make a effort to call her either.
Where is this elusive Bob?
Lauren, I hope you do get this resolved, and the little extra for all your time you put in for just trying to get them to do the right thing. Geesh.

 

[The BoidSmith]

To be blunt, I probably should not have even bothered. As they are partners in the business, I believe it is fair to expect each person under the name Odyssey Reptiles to be responsible for each and every transaction sold and shipped under that name. The buyer should not have to bite the proverbial bullet because of a miscommunication or problem between two partners of a business.

Lauren,

And, as you say, is they are partners they are responsible for each others actions. We have seen way to many instances in the past where the blame was put into partners, significant other, etc. Your deal was with Odysses Reptiles and not Terry and/or Bob.

Best of lucks!

 

[snakeman23_2003]

both sides

DELETED- no full name

 

[Winter]

Update

Well, in the last that we heard from Odyssey Reptiles, they said the following:

I told her that I would send her recipts overnight I live out in the country and got stranded at my house due to snow. They are in the mail and should arrive tomarrow

I had also replied to their e-mail with the following:

Subj: Re: I hope to make this better
Date: 3/6/2003 8:18:57 AM Eastern Standard Time
From: BrimstoneHunter
To: [email protected]

Jeff,

I replied to the thread on Fauna again, so you will see most of what I have to say is already there. Like I posted, I did not want to involve you per se (even though you are part of Odyssey reptiles, regardless), but I did not feel I had a choice. This has been going on for far too long and you guys should have handled this much better, which you are already aware of. Take it as a lesson learned, if nothing else so that your future customers do not end up in situations like this.

I will let you know as soon as the receipt arrives. As far as offering me the boa and a refund, like I said on Fauna, in my book, that is taking a bad situation and making it right. Better late than never. As I also said on Fauna, I hold no malice towards you or your company, but this transaction has left me with a bad taste in my mouth. In either case, though, providing you come through this time, I will not bear a grudge. I would absolutely love to have this situation resolved, and I am sure you would too.

Before I go, one of the best things you have done so far is apologizing. Just saying you are sorry goes a long way, provided you follow up. I am sure, would you have been in my shoes, that you would have been just as upset as I am.

Anyhow, take care and have a nice day.

Regards,

Lauren

I have checked my mail the past several days and have still seen no sign of a receipt that was supposed to have been overnighted.

I have also not had any contact with them since they posted here and e-mailed me back, both on 3/5. They have ALL of my contact information. Every time I call them, they tell me what I want to hear, while *I* am paying for the long distance charges to my cell phone, and nothing ends up happening.

So, to give an update, nothing has changed in the slightest.

Regards,

Lauren Rost

 

[Stardust]

Thank you Lauren for keeping this thread updated. So many times there is no ending. I for one am interested in the ending good or bad. (I hope it is a good ending )

 

[snakeman23_2003]

to lauren and all other readers

DELETED- no full name

 

[HerpVenue]

Snakeman23-2003
a full name is required to post on the BOI
Kindly take the time now to post your full name or put your full name in your signature.

Thank YOu

 

[snakeman23_2003]

name

DELETED- no full name