Simply Snakes anyone delt with them?

[MGReptiles]

Hello Im interested in some of there stock. Does anyone have any dealings with them they would care to share? Thanks,
-Matt Graybeal

 

[ArtCat]

Kingsnake

Paul and Beth I believe who runs Simply Snakes. I bought a Kingsnake from them Two years ago. No problems whatsoever.

Chuck Wright

 

[Suncoast Herpetological]

Excellent people...you will have no problems dealing with them.

 

[Mark and Aimee]

We just purchased 1.2 Eastern Hognose from them. We'll update with more details after the snakes arrive. So far, they've been great.

 

[Mark and Aimee]

Anyone heard from Elizabeth and Paul Moody?

First, let me say I realize a huge hurricane just ripped through Florida. With that in mind...

Elizabeth and Paul Moody of Simply Snakes were supposed to ship a trio of Eastern Hognoses to us yesterday, to arrive today. We have not heard anything from them yet, but Aimee is at home waiting to see if anything shows up.

We've emailed several times and called - with no response. They must have phone and power - as their phone rings and answering machine picked up.

Best I can tell, Ocala was not hit too hard by the Hurricane, and most people in that area are pressing on, business as usual.

Maybe they'll see this??

 

[Mark and Aimee]

DHL dropped off the package within minutes of the previous post.

3 Eastern Hognoses (good)

Packed in deli cups (good)

With PINE for bedding (bad)

No live toad as promised (very bad)

No insulation (bad)

No cold pack (bad)

No communication, no tracking number, no emails (very very bad)

So that's 2 goods, 3 bads, 1 very bad, and 1 very very bad.

Overall, We would list this experience as bad. We will likely refrain from doing business with Simply Snakes in the future.

 

[Mark and Aimee]

I just finished discussing the shipment with Paul. While we did not agree on shipping methods and substrate, we did discuss the issue, and agreed to not let it be more than our personal opinions.

As far as doing business with Simply Snakes, people can make their own educated decisions based on the information found on this web site, and as recommended, on Paul's web site.

 

[simplysnakes]

What can we say - this is just ridiculous!

First of all, SimplySnakes is not a storefront. Paul and I both work regular jobs. We are not home to get emails and answer the phone during the day. We occassionally will be able to check them during the day if our job load at work allows us the opportunity to do so.


Second, We did have a Hurricane hit Florida, but not us, however as everyone knows the Daytona show was this weekend, and Mark was aware that we would be there. Daytona was hit hard as everyone knows.

Third, We did send an email to Mark with a tracking number and it did not get to Mark. We assumed it had since we never got an email or phone call from them on Monday 8/16/04. We did ship the snakes as we agreed to. The snakes did arrive. The only thing we did not do was send the toad. The reason we did not send the toad was becuase when we got back from Daytona the toads we had were extremely weak and did not want the snakes to arrive with a dead toad in the box. We did not have frozen toads to ship either.

Fourth, Pine shavings is a matter of opinion. We have kept our snakes on Pine Shavings and sandi chips for the last 10 years. We have never lost any snake due to the bedding that we use. Again, this to me is a matter of opinion/preference or convience. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.

Fifth, The most important thing is that the snakes arrived at 10:45 am (which was before the noon time promised) and they were alive and healthy and what they had purchased. We have spoken with Mark and Aimee on the telephone tonight and told them we did not feel this post was needed. Mark has assured us that he plans to post again. So let's see what happens.

Sincerely,

Beth & Paul Moody

 

[Mark and Aimee]

Mark has assured us that he plans to post again. So let's see what happens.

Umm... look up. I already did. I don't have anything additional to add - It's all in this thread.

 

[MGReptiles]

My grandparent are in FL and they got alot of damage but there power and phones were back on yesterday. I hope it works out for you. But as for myself thats enough for me to stay away.
-Matt Graybeal

 

[Jungle Gems]

Eastern Hogs from Simply Snakes

Hello,

I, too, am purchasing 1.2 Eastern Hognose Snakes from Simply Snakes. Thus far, I have had great communication with Paul. He is always friendly and willing to answer questions and he never takes longer than a day to reply. I am purchasing 0.1 of their Orange Phase Eastern Hogs and 1.1 of their normals. Paul has e-mailed me pictures of both sets of babies and they all look great. I am looking forward to receiving my snakes and will post on the BOI when they arrive. Thus far, Simply Snakes has been great to deal with and I expect no less once the animals arrive.

Hope this helps,

Jennifer Webb
(Jungle Gems)

 

[Jungle Gems]

Simply Snakes- UPDATE

I received my 1.2 Eastern Hognose Snakes from Beth and Paul yesterday AM as promised. What beautiful, healthy animals! Even with the stress of the trip, they are doing wonderfully and all three fed last evening. The Orange Phase looks phenomenal... I can't wait to see her colors as an adult. No complaints on shipping- I received the babies in deli cups packed with a single paper towel, all in a well-insulated box, which is how I am accustomed to receiving animals through the mail and everything else was up to par as well. I am very happy with the entire transaction from start to finish and would buy from Simply Snakes again... I hope to if any new bloodlines ever become available. Paul and Beth, you have done an outstanding job. Thank you. Get well soon, Beth.

Jennifer Webb
(Jungle Gems)

 

[VenomJ]

These days, basically you cannot make anybody happy

 

[Mark and Aimee]

These days, basically you cannot make anybody happy

I'm just dying to know... What ARE you talking about?

 

[Mark and Aimee]

Unfortunately, one of our baby Eastern Hognoses from Simply Snakes died 10 days after reciept. It never ate a meal for us, either. The male we recieved has eaten once, and we are still trying to get the other female to eat.

I've contacted Paul to attempt to resolve this, but he has refused. I understand he has his own terms to follow. That's his choice.

He has also accused me several times of "slander". For the record, I have never spoken a word about Simply Snakes other than the truth. Anything here could never be considered slander. Libel maybe, if I had lied. But it's just the truth. Paul can't seem to handle that.

I stick with my original comments - I would not do business with Simply Snakes again. I would not recommend them. Their shipping practices need a bit of work. Paul is NOT open to any suggestions, and not an easy person to work with. The way he has spoken to me and my wife on the telephone is rude, insulting, and not proper behaviour of a businessman.

But for the people here - Paul told me he thinks the BOI is a joke. He says people here are like a pack of wolves. So that's his opinion. Why does he even bother with Fauna Classifieds then, if we're all so bad?

 

[David Reid]

I pretty much agree with Joe

Some people seem to jump the gun. IT WAS A FREAKIN HURRICANE! Not everyone ships the same way, but if the snakes arrive healthy and alive, and the shipper did not ship 4 day ground or something, or ship in a sealed plastic bag, give the guy a break. IT WAS A FREAKIN HURRICANE! Are you really surprised now that Paul does not want to deal with you?

 

[Mark and Aimee]

IT WAS A FREAKIN HURRICANE!

Which had nothing to do with his shipping practices.

Not everyone ships the same way, but if the snakes arrive healthy and alive

So it seemed. But one is dead now.

Are you really surprised now that Paul does not want to deal with you?

No, I am not surprised. Let's not try to turn this around, though. Bad business is bad business. Paul's attempts at switching the blame are about as useless as your argument. I didn't expect Paul to do anything - but last time he lost his mind because I didn't go to him first. So this time I did. And then posted here, just like I told him I would.

 

[simplysnakes]

email from Mark

This is what Mark sent me in his email...

Paul,

We've had the Eastern Hognoses for 10 days, so I know there's not much we
can expect at this point. But...

This past weekend, we attempted to feed all three of them. The male ate a
scented mouse pink. Both females outright refused to eat.

Last night, I noticed one female acting very odd (not righting herself, very
lethargic, etc). This morning I found her dead. A picture is attached.

I'm sure you don't even want to deal with us this point - but I have no idea
if the death of this animal was due to a problem at birth (don't know how
old they are either, so its even harder to make a guess at that), or if they
were subject to extreme heat during shipment, which could have caused neuro
problems.

I don't want to point fingers. I'm just wondering if you'll be able to
refund the price of this female. I'll gladly send a dead snake back to you
- but it won't be by overnight mail.

Mark
719-660-0775
[email protected]


This is what I wrote Mark after his email to me.....

Mark,

I do not think I will be able to do anything other than tell you that I give a live arrival guarantee on all animals. There is a 24 hour guarantee, listed on our website under terms. If not satisfied, to contact us within 24 hours of arrival and a refund can be arranged at that time when the animal is returned. Alot can happen after an animal is in anothers hands. I am not pointing fingers either, but, I have to set a limit on what I can do as far as animals and refunds. I wish that things were different between us, however, you did slander us on the BOI and caused us to directly lose sales from someone inquiring about purchasing from us. Several others also backed out of sales after your unjustifiable attack on us before even talking with me. several people vouched for us on the BOI, and you still pursued it until you felt you had planted enough doubt in the minds of potential buyers to cause them to not do business with us. This type of business tactics is exactly what is wrong with the reptile trade today, bullying, accusing, and slander. I cannot help you, maybe the saying what comes around goes around is coming back to you for your attacks on us. I am sad that the baby hognose died. The snake was about a month and a half old and had fed here every week since it was two weeks old. The others I kept are still feeding and thriving and ate pinkies tonight. Like the other person posted on the BOI, you can't please everyone, and I am not going to even try again with you. Good Luck on your endeavors. Hope you can use the toad being delivered to you this weekend at the show.

Sincerely,
Paul


Then Mark wrote me this....

Paul,

I honestly didn't expect you to do anything. After all, your attitude since day one has been "I'm right, you're wrong". Clearly, you know something was wrong with your shipping method, as you changed it dramatically for Jennifer Webb. Maybe it wasn't worth cutting corners again, at the expense of your name? You knew she was going to comment on the BOI, so conveniently, you insulated the box and left out the pine shavings that time.

I can tell you exactly what happened with that babyhognose. It was housed individually on aspen shavings, kept at room temperature (70-80 degrees). I attempted to feed it after giving it a few days to settle in. Within 5 days of it refusing a meal, it died. I don't think I'd call that a fault of mine. I can't call it your fault either, but obviously something was wrong. We all have to stick to our guarantees though... Even if the person DID contact you within 24 hours to notify you of problems (as I did - your shipping practices).

Before accusing anyone of slander, grab yourself a dictionary, and look up the word. No one verbally attacked out, and no one lied. I told the truth, and you couldn't dispute it, as it was exactly the truth. But for the record, slander is verbal. Libel is written. If the written verbage is the truth, it's not libel. It's simply the truth. There was no attack. If there was any attack, it was your reply. If you are implying that a dead snake was what I deserved for telling the truth about you - you haven't seen the last of it. The truth continues to be known, and I seriously doubt there is much you can say to fix the damage you have created for yourself. You can't blame me - I only speak the truth. For some reason, it is always the slimey ones who get mad at the truth.

I have no idea what you are talking about - with a toad and a show next weekend. There's no show here next weekend, and I have no plans of attending a show for at least a month. Maybe you have me confused with someone else who is not pleased with your business, shipping, and animals. You're right - you can't please everyone. In your case, I can see why.

Mark

So here is what I have to say about this whole thing...
I was told Mark would be at a show this weekend a good friend of mine was attending. Knowing he needed a toad, I made arrangements to get one for him and have it given to him at this show. Unbeknownst to me, Mark is not attending this show like it was believed. I can only do so much after I was bashed before the snakes even arrived to him. Then bashed again after they arrived because I used pine shavings, and did not use styrofoam in the box. I had the snakes arrive before it got hot, and they did and were fine upon arrival. I do not know what happened between then and now, but all I can say is that ALL of the babies I held back are eating and doing great. If I am such a slimy guy, why on earth would I get someone out in Texas to collect a toad, to give to Mark, to show I wanted to help him by making sure he had a toad. If I was a slimy guy like Mark says I am, I would not give a sh*t about him and his toad he is having such a fit about. This is one of those cases that will never be resolved until I do exactly what Mark wants and cave in to his ranting. I have two posts on this BOI about me. One is because I would not sell an animal dirt cheap to someone, and the other is Mark's. As far as measuring who is not making people happy or shipping correctly, do a search on Outback Snakehouse here on the Boi and see how many posts are here about Mark and his shipping ethics.
I am not out to rip anybody off, and I never will be.

But for the people here - Paul told me he thinks the BOI is a joke. He says people here are like a pack of wolves. So that's his opinion. Why does he even bother with Fauna Classifieds then, if we're all so bad?

I never said the things Mark says I did, and I posted my emails to show it. You have answered your own question - obviously I dont think that about Fauna otherwise why would I posted here! I have bought so many snakes that died after purchase from other breeders and private individuals that I cannot count them all. Some have birth defects that are unknown, some are sick, some are poor feeders, some are just plain inbred too much and die of liver failure. Animals are a high risk investment. They can go downhill quick, and perish before we know it is happening. All of us know this if we have had any sizeable collection of reptiles. I have been honest, and have nothing to hide. I am sorry for your loss Mark, but I do not feel it was my fault the baby snake died in your care.

Sincerely,
Paul

 

[simplysnakes]

questionable temps for a baby snake

Mark sent me an email with this info in it, I qouted him and here it is...

"I can tell you exactly what happened with that babyhognose. It was housed individually on aspen shavings, kept at room temperature (70-80 degrees). I attempted to feed it after giving it a few days to settle in."

I personally feel this is too cool for a baby snake that was from Florida. The snake room here hits temps from 84-90 everyday. Hognoses are different in the south than they are in Colorado. I would not expect any one of my babies to eat and thrive when temps are dropped almost 20 degrees from what they are used to in the state of Florida. I do not air condition my snake room as they do not have a/c in the wild except for winter time when they hibernate. I have more common sense than that. This baby may have died from a respiratory for all I know.

Sincerely,
Paul

 

[Mark and Aimee]

I was told Mark would be at a show this weekend a good friend of mine was attending.

What show, what friend of yours, and where? All I can gather is you thought I was going to be at a show, probably in east texas, based on the location of your friend?? I have no idea why you would want go through all that trouble without even checking in with me first. It just doesn't make sense.

I can only do so much after I was bashed before the snakes even arrived to him.

I thought I explained time zones to you in an email. But... I inquired about the status of Paul in a post on this thread before the animals arrived, because I had not heard anything from him at all. If that's bashing, I don't know how I am ever going to make it in life. I never posted anything about the animals or the shipping before the animals arrived.

Then bashed again after they arrived because I used pine shavings, and did not use styrofoam in the box.

If this was so acceptable, why did you change it for the next Colorado shipment? But again, I did not bash you. I expressed my opinion on the way you shipped the animals. You viewed it as slander and a personal attack, which it is neither.

If I was a slimy guy like Mark says I am, I would not give a sh*t about him and his toad he is having such a fit about.

I haven't mentioned the fact that you didn't send the toad you promised since the original post, 10 days ago, I have long since solved that problem, and don't need a toad from you any longer. A simple email would have taken care of this. Remember? Contact me first?

As far as measuring who is not making people happy or shipping correctly, do a search on Outback Snakehouse here on the Boi and see how many posts are here about Mark and his shipping ethics.

Please do, and let me know what you come up with. I know exactly what is on this forum. There is one person on here who freaked out about a shipment from me - and it was resolved as a non-issue. So... Paul, stop making insinuations when the evidence is right here. It's not going to get you anywhere.

I never said the things Mark says I did, and I posted my emails to show it.

Yeah Paul. You said it in a phone call. Of course, you know there is no evidence of the phone call, as I would have needed to record it. You said it - you know it and I know it. There are a lot of things you would deny of that phone call... And I'm certain you wouldn't say them here.