I think it was irresponsible of the buyer to post this on the BOI. This is not BOI material. I see a transaction where the buyer received snakes that may or may not have been packaged properly, and who wrote an unhappy email to the seller expressing her concerns using what was construed as inflammatory comments (ie. shame on you). The seller responded professionally considering he was obviously affronted, and even offered to make amends by having the buyer ship the animals back to him for a refund.
The situation was resolved, as far as the transaction was concerned. I see this posting as less of an actual bad business transaction and more of an incantation of the drama llama. Were the snakes improperly packaged? Perhaps, but the seller did what he could to resolve the disgruntled customer. Obviously the snakes ended up fine, since the buyer hasn't posted otherwise.
I have had several animals shipped to me improperly, and I have never posted the issue on the BOI because I managed to discreetly inform and educate the shipper without any public embarrassment. The end results were thankful shippers and improved shipping practices. Paul admits he has sent many animals using his shipping methods, and if he has an otherwise positive reputation in the business, then I doubt many (if any) animals arrived dead. I see this type of post as completely counterproductive, because now we have a seller who has been blasted by members of the fauna community for what easily could've been fixed behind the scenes and was fixed. Was it a mistake on his part? Probably, but is this kind of finger pointing and incendiary commentary necessary? I personally don't think this is productive in any way.
I am dismayed with how much self-righteous hatred I see on the BOI when a member of the reptile community stumbles in what is otherwise reputable and honorable business. I am saddened to see the BOI reduced to a Jerry Springer show.
~Vanessa Lane