Not to side with Gilbert, but I do believe he his in law enforcement. My brother is a Columbus Police officer and some of the "wording" Gilbert used in our conversations will only lead me to believe he is. I also know a well known breeder (who I trust) who also confirmed to me that he was, and her word is good enough for me, even though she also stated that you have been known to back out on deals.
I know there are bad cops, just as theres bad dealers and breeders. But there are MANY more good cops out there and Id hate to see this thread even change ones persons thoughts on the matter. I have befriended many on the force and actually some are customers. And for the record, NO Im not stating if Gilbert is or isnt, a good cop. This thread isnt about his job and how he does it.
Now, with that being said. You called me a "peddler". If your referring to that fact that I sale and re sale herps. Then, I guess Im a "pettler". Has anyone bought and re sold herps ? Be it once or hundreds of times, then your a peddler. I see you sold those Beadeds Gilbert, didnt you buy them ? Well, if you did and did re sale them, then your a "pettler" too. If thats the worst I am, then so be it. I have befriended many of the top breeders in this hobby and they have come to me on many occasions for personal stock, so they apparently know what kind of quality they will be getting. I do NOT sell stock that isnt in my hands or have things on consignment. Never have and never will. I mainly stick with honest breeders and 90% of the time its their stock Im selling. Because I do cash, trade and trade/cash deals. I give not only the breeder, but my customers another avenue to aquire what their looking for (some breeders and dealers may not want what their offering in trade or want straight cash). I only sell herps that meet my level of quality. If they fall short, then Im upfront about it (be it color, size, feeding, etc.). If you heard something so negative about me, then state it here or email me and state who and what was said ? Im curious. I cant think of a single person that can say I did them wrong in any deal. I can honestly say Im friends with ALOT of my customers and keep in regular contact. I work full time and this is a hobby. This is why I love this hobby so much, IS because of all the people Ive befriended (be it customer, breeder or someone just asking advice). The day I view it as a needed source of income or the day I view it as strictly business, is the day I walk away. No offense Evan !! LOL !! I know Evan has worked hard for what he has and sells. Felt I should state that because something about "jobs" were mentioned somewhere in this thread. Thats why to date I never had a policy on "holding" herps. Maybe I should. If someone gives me their word and seem like nice people, I try in most cases, to give them the benefit of the doubt. If they changed their mind so be it. Believe me Gilbert isnt the only one in 15 years that has backed out on a deal with me and you dont see me posting them. Everyone has the right to change their mind. But NEVER had someone back out 3 times. I only responded because there IS a trend here.
Ive been in this hobby for 15 years. First a as collector. Then for years a BREEDER (Frilled Dragons, Beardeds, Rainbow Boas, Dumeril and others). About 5-6 years ago, I got burned out and sold all my breeding stock AND caging. Well, it only took less then a year (and befriending Don Hamper who hooked me line and sinker) to notice my love for herps never left and bam Im back into it. But at that time I got recently married and my wife was one month along with our first child. Prioritys change, so I got into buying and reselling herps to pay for my new and steadily growing collection. BUT, I was going to do it right. If it took 15 years to get where I want to be at, and build a good rep along the way, so be it. I wasnt going to get a bad name to shave off a few years. I know this didnt need to be stated here, but just in case anyone was curious, now you know.
Bottomline, is you did agree on 3 different occassions and backed out on all 3. I ALWAYS gave you the benefit of the doubt, until this last one. If you remember on the 2end deal you said you had a family situation. I emailed my concerns and hoped all would be well for you. It wasnt until our third deal, that I found out that was a lie as you addmitted getting preasure from another breeder you owed money to. I never said you ripped people off, lied, had bad stock or sold bad stock. Only that you have a hard time making up your mind. You have told me (as well as countless others) that to hold it for you and it was a done deal. I honored that. I could of easily backed out on you for the cash sale on the "het. clown", but didnt even though I could of used the cash more than our trade deal, at that time. Why ? I gave you my word. I even gave a crack in the door in my response by stating you were a nice guy to talk with (prior to this thread all my conversations with Gilbert where pleasent ones). Instead of saying I was wrong, you start a lame name calling game. As I told others that emailed me, I wont play it that way, its not worth it. Your thread above is a start in the right direction and this may end up being a useful thread. I know Ive now learned a thing or two on "holding" herps. See 15 years and still learning !! LOL !!
Joe Dembinski
'>
