Bad Guy RockabirdieReptiles AKA ReptileJungle

[ReptileOutlet]

This ad was posted on craigslist recently regarding Reptile Jungle in Fountain Valley, CA. This store is Managed by Thomas Munoz, AKA RockabirdieReptiles


SO before I go into details let me just state the following:
I know I own a store not far from Reptile Jungle, the store Thomas (RockabirdieReptiles) Manages. Normally, I would believe it is in bad taste to post negatively about my "competitor" and I would mind my own business, however, this ad was brought to my attention by one of my customers. This customer also told me that Thomas has been bad mouthing me personally, and my store, AND my employees. Now, this would not upset me so much, except the fact that I have been supplying Thomas and Reptile Jungle with wholesale rats for quite some time. I had also done some trades with Thomas, and honestly thought we were cool. I even told customers of mine that he was a good guy and to check out his store. Come to find out, not only is he bad mouthing me, but he is also telling people straight lies. In the passed few months I have had a multitude of customers come in saying Thomas told them I had a store called Radical Reptile previously, and that I was shut down by animal control for neglecting and mistreating my animals. The truth is, I opened Reptile Outlet in the wake of Radical Reptile shutting down. I purchased some of their cages and decor to get my store started, but have no affiliation with them otherwise. Thomas has also told multiple customers that my store should be shut down, and that they shouldn't bring their animals here because I or my employee will kill them.
The following pictures are phone screen shots of the craigslist ad, posted tuesday night of this week. I am posting it because I feel people should know not only that Thomas is shady, badmouthing someone that was HELPING HIM AND HIS STORE for absolutely no reason, but also because as a store owner, I know its impossible to keep every cage clean. I know its impossible to keep every water bowl perfect. But I also know that there is no reason for animals to be denied basic care. Even if you were at a show for 3 days (as is Thomas' excuse for the poor condition his store was in) this is just deplorable. I will let you be the judge:

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/pet/3763055303.html

 

[gecko32]

Rockabirdie

I have been dealing with Thomas for a few years. Thomas always has good animals and takes great care of his animals. I have never had an issue with him. I consider him a great person to deal with. Don't hesitate to do business with him. Ronnie

 

[Rockabirdie]

I hate that I am even responding to this, but feel I have to. I do not own Reptile Jungle, I am an emlployee. I cannot control what goes on on my days off. The pics were taken the day following a three day show, which I was working all three days, and off the following two. Nothing in the store has respetory infections, this was blow way out of proportion. As far as Mr. Lablanc goes, we have bought rats from him a total of two times. After the last time, about 3 weeks ago, I formed our shop owner to never buy rats from him again. The animals were in deplorable condition. His shop is about five miles from ours, in that time we lost 4 rats. I was told by someone else he had owned Radical Reptiles, so I assumed he did. I guess we are both guilty of a little shop talk gossip. My bad, for that part I do apologize. But you telling our employees you are going to come kick my ass or tell people I am a child molester, is just flat immature. You flaunting that you are a convicted murderer, and theif does not help your situation either.I have never said a thing about your employees, I do not know any of them. I welcome anyone to come see Reptile Jungle and judge for yourself. Being in this business, you will know that you cannot make everyone happy. Those of you who know me, know that I do try though. Please do not judge me personally by this post. Mr Leblanc has been trying to make this personal for several weeks now. How about we just move on, and let bygones be bygones.

 

[hhmoore]

There's been an awful lot of anonymous third party quotation in this short thread. Unnamed customers that supposedly said this, an anonymously authored CL post bashing one party, more unnamed customers, etc. I suggest you gentleman familiarize yourself with the rules; and either start identifying your sources, or leaving that stuff out of your posts

 

[RichsBallPythons]

This dont seem to be a Reptile Community issue but more a legal issue. Whats being posted is Libel if proven. Do so with the local authorities and hire an attorney. What we say will not bring anything compensation wise that has been a result of said statements.

Lawyers will be your only option on this IMO>

 

[tcp2]

I have dealt with Thomas and had nothing but good results with the animals he has shipped me. This exchange is a great example as to why the majority of the known world thinks people who keep reptiles are strange. Can't we deal with problems like adults and quit acting like grade school children throwing a tantrum and running to the teacher for help? If I posted every time I had a problem with someone I would have carpal tunnel by now.

 

[Ron Allen]

Although you should keep an eye on the competition, don't get too focused on them. Use your competitors to keep you in check, but keep your attention to your own business. If you spend too much time on the other guy, you won’t have time to improve your own business.

 

[Wdissident]

I was thinking of going to reptile outlet to get a tank too.. Lets see where this goes.

 

[geckomania]

I have shopped at Reptile Outlet since they have opened. I prefer them because they do beat Prehistoric Pets, Reptile Island, and Reptile Jungle (the 3 stores I know of in Orange County) in prices of reptiles, feeders, and supplies. Competition is what a business is all about. This case being a legal issue, I find it hard to bring to court. I do recommend going to Reptile Outlet because I got my jump start with breeding geckos and roaches by Eric LeBlanc.