Trying to contact Bobby Pruett

[thancox]

I recently purchased some Fat-Tailed geckos from him and have been trying to reach him via the phone number on his website: http://arborealsetc.com/contact.htm @ 1-419-621-7927
and via his email at: [email protected] & [email protected]
ONLY TO GET NO REPLIES

Since the weather has been fluctuating in the 30s, 40s, and 50s, it has been hard trying to find a time to have the geckos shipped. The weather will be permitting in my area and his (if he still lives in Sandusky, OH) on Thurs (12/30), Fri (12/31), and Sat (01/01).

I would appreciate it if you can share additional contact information of Bobby Pruett.

Thank you, I am most grateful for all of your assistance.

 

[Suncoast Herpetological]

There are a number of threads on Mr. Pruett that can be accessed through the Search feature. Perhaps one of them might have better contact info.

 

[DAND]

Why...

Why would anyone deal with Pruett?



I'd try your luck at getting your money back through whatever means you paid him with.

 

[thancox]

Check out the terms on his website http://arborealsetc.com/contact.htm

QUOTED FROM THE TERMS:
"All animals are guaranteed to arrive alive and outwardly healthy. If an orders picked up late or you miss the carrier this will void the guarantee. Temperatures below 40f or above 90f in my area or the destination address will void live arrival guarantee. Gross negligence on the part of the buyer will void the guarantee. "

The current deal I have with him is "when weather permits" he will send the geckos. This is the weather in my area:
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/35816?lswe=35816&lwsa=WeatherLocalUndeclared

This is the weather in his:
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/44870?lswe=44870&lwsa=WeatherLocalUndeclared

This Thurs, Fri, & Sat, look like the best days to send given the weather in both of our areas. I emailed him this information and have emailed him prior to this information and have yet to get a reply.

Just an acknowledgement would be nice:
YES, I'll be able to ship the geckos on the requested days, or no I cannot ship on the requested days for this reason...

I know the Christmas holiday just past and people are starting to get back into the swing of things but today is Dec. 29th, I emailed him well before Christmas day.

I have read some good but mostly bad things about Pruett on this site.
Unfortunately, I was turned on to the info. about him after the purchase was made. I just hope I am not one of the unlucky many who have done business with him.

At this point I haven't gotten any replies from the latest emails I've sent him or callback from the messages I left on the answering machine behind the number posted on his website. I am getting a little worried...

Pray for me!


PS
I am still looking through this site for additional contact info.
If anyone has any additional contact information other than what I have already posted, PLEASE share. I would like to get the geckos that I paid for and get this transaction over with asap.

 

[urbanjungles]

Doesn't look to good...

Those are basically all of Bobby's contacts...looks like he's just choosing to ignore you, shame. Not surprising though, if I were you I'd try to get my money back instead of the animals as I'm sure they'll inevitably wind up dead or near dying and the entire typical scenario involving ExspungedBob will once again repeat itself...he'll call you names and take your money.

He's been pretty active on other threads on this site so he's undoubtedly recieved your messages and is probably even reading this...



Sorry and good luck!

 

[DAND]

You could try posting on his Rhacodactylus Network. You'll probably get your post deleted and banned from there if you do but if that happens you'll know he's seen your post.

 

[thancox]

rhacodactylus.net

I have tried subscribing to the forum on rhacodactylus.net earlier this morning around 9:00am CT - give or take an hour. At the moment my membership is pending approval. I don't know how long it takes for members to be approved on his site, but we shall see...

 

[LotsaPetsGarfHt]

I'm willing to bet....

that you won't get approved. I was but was eventually banned.

 

[GeckoTracks]

You wont get approved lol I tried just to see what happend I also sent him an email. so heres a heads up for you all. oh btw I didnt use a fake name to contact him thats my middle and maiden name.



Hello

All info including your full name along with the email address your ISP issued you is required to join. The program kicks all hotmail,yahoo,etc. addresses.

Bobby Pruett
Rhacodactylus Network
http://www.rhacodactylus.net

----- Original Message -----
From: Jo-Ella Ashbrook
To: [email protected]
Sent: Friday, December 17, 2004 1:00 PM
Subject: Joining your forum


I've tried to join your forum twice already, Ii dont know if there is
something wrong with the database or the program that runs your forum. I was
looking forward to talking to fellow rhacodactylus owers, and their opinons
on rasing and breeding them. I'm just letting you know if there is a
problem. Hopefully everything will work out and I can try to join again.
Thank you for your time

Jo-Ella Ashbrook

 

[Ghi Reptiles]

I have read some good but mostly bad things about Pruett on this site.

I don't belive there is anything good to say about him when it comes to the reptile business. I guess 'he scams people well' could be considered a compliment.

Hello

All info including your full name along with the email address your ISP issued you is required to join. The program kicks all hotmail,yahoo,etc. addresses.

Bobby Pruett
Rhacodactylus Network
http://www.rhacodactylus.net

That is what I call major paranoia. Coming from a guy that has posted under at least 7 different aliases that we know of and most likely more, that gets a huge chuckle from me

By the way if you already paid for your geckos in advance I would consider the money gone that's what I had to do when he scammed me out of around $400.00. Just consider it a lesson well learned and thank God it wasn't for more. He should reply soon though with one of his infamous lines like 'I was out of the state for awhile visiting my kids'. When it heats up enough here he will most likely either make a showing with a story or e-mail you privately berating you. Good luck and sorry for your bad luck......

 

[Mustangrde1]

Oey dealing with him is like dealing with the With all the post on here about him heck on so many websites why did you do it. Good luck

 

[thancox]

Communication

Those are basically all of Bobby's contacts...looks like he's just choosing to ignore you, shame. Not surprising though, if I were you I'd try to get my money back instead of the animals as I'm sure they'll inevitably wind up dead or near dying and the entire typical scenario involving ExspungedBob will once again repeat itself...he'll call you names and take your money.

He's been pretty active on other threads on this site so he's undoubtedly recieved your messages and is probably even reading this...



Sorry and good luck!

This is his terms posted on ---> http://arborealsetc.com/terms.htm

"Trade arrangements are made with the understanding that we will only ship after trade animals have been received and examined by us.

Payments sent using Pay-pal and Credit cards by phone take priority over mailed payments such as checks and money orders. Keep this in mind when making a payment. If you mail a check and someone else sends payment paypal or by phone,they get it and your check or money order will be returned to you. I'm not at all trying to make people mad, just been burned to many times by people saying they mailed a payment and then it doesn't show.


A 50% deposit will hold an animal that is in stock and available for 30 days. (Unless other arrangements have been made) Failure to pay remaining balances will result in loss of deposit. Deposits made for expected offspring *will be refunded* if the animals are not produced during their season.

All orders must be paid by check or money order. When submitting payment in form of Postal Money Order or Personal Check, make them payable to Chryl Pruett.We take Visa and Mastercard over the phone. If using Pay-Pal our pay-pal ID is [email protected] Animals will be shipped on Mondays and Tuesdays ONLY... We will only use Fed-Ex for next day door to door service.

Orders shipped Delta (Dash) Air cargo will have a live arrival guarantee. Boxes must be opened in the presence of the supervisor on duty to verify any claims that may be made.Shipping charges to and from our location is the buyers responsibility, unless other arrangements have been made. Shipment may be delayed due to adverse weather conditions.
All animals are guaranteed to arrive alive and outwardly healthy. If an orders picked up late or you miss the carrier this will void the guarantee. Temperatures below 40f or above 90f in my area or the destination address will void live arrival guarantee. Gross negligence on the part of the buyer will void the guarantee. I WILL NOT be responsible for mishandling or delays of shipments by the carrier.

Any deviation in listed price negates guarantee on the entire order and that includes EVERYONE.

A photo or other evidence of a dead animal will be required. Gender is guaranteed as represented. You must notify us within 4 hours if you are dissatisfied. Please ask us if you have any care or maintenance questions. It's easier to prevent a problem than to fix one. There will be no cash refunds, unless amount received was a deposit as stated above, but rather credit for or replacement of the reptile for another reptile of equal value.

No sales will knowingly be made to minors. If you are under 18 you will need to have your parents call or provide legal proof that you are emancipated.

For further questions contact us at Bobby Pruett."

OK... my question to urbanjungles and everyone else is:
If it is posted in the "TERMS" on someone's website that they do not do refunds, and instead does sales credits if a customer backs out of a sale.... what are the legalities behind trying to get a refund from someone who you made payment to but has not provided you with the product or animal you paid for and refuses contact?

My main issue at this point with Bobby Pruett is his lack of communication. If the weather is not permitting for shipment in his area, let me know. If there are other reasons why he can't ship, let me know. If I request background information on the geckos, give the info to me or tell me why you can't.

I purchased the CBB 100% het 1:1 fat-tailed geckos that are posted on his website here ---> http://arborealsetc.com/for_sale.htm.
I haven't been able to receive the geckos because of the weather in both of our areas. I have, however, been monitoring weather.com and have been emailing Bobby on what days seem good for shipping based on the weather boundaries included in his terms to guarantee live arrival above. I also told him that if the weather is not permitting on the days I requested, DON"T SHIP. Lately communication with him has been one way and I am not sure what to think or expect.

Email me or call me Bobby Pruett... Let me know what's going on with the geckos. Let me know what days in your area are good for shipping, let me know the information I requested about the geckos, let me know something... PLEASE.

 

[Ghi Reptiles]

OK... my question to urbanjungles and everyone else is:
If it is posted in the "TERMS" on someone's website that they do not do refunds, and instead does sales credits if a customer backs out of a sale.... what are the legalities behind trying to get a refund from someone who you made payment to but has not provided you with the product or animal you paid for and refuses contact?

Well first off the guy knows you won't sue him over the $100.00 - $150.00 that sub-adult pairs go for and if you did he probably wouldn't care either. It would cost you more to file than the pair costs so there would be no point in it. You have done the right thing by going to the BOI to voice your concern, it's better than filing for $150.00 in the long run. Pruett is constantly on the BOI as a bad guy and allows all kinds of wacked out things to take place on his forum....stuff kids shouldn't be reading. Here is a link to another thread here that should sum up what Pruett is all about:

http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54105

 

[oldherper]

This is one of the worst policy statements I've ever seen. It is vague in many areas, meaningless in others, and it seems to be tilted way too far in the favor of the seller. Many of these stipulations would absolutely not hold up in court. After reading this, I can assure you I would not do business with this guy. There are plenty of reputable breeders and dealers out there that don't put this kind of burden on their customers.

Here are my Policies:

The customer must make full verifiable payment before the order will be shipped or delivered, unless other prior arrangements have been made.

I will not ship unless the weather and other conditions are conducive. If that doesn't fit the customer's schedule, I recommend that they find another dealer. I will not risk the animals in order to get the sale. The buyer must make every effort to take delivery as scheduled. I will provide tracking numbers and will track the shipment for the buyer if there are shipping problems.

I must be NOTIFIED within 48 hours if an animal arrives DOA. If notification is sent by mail, it must be postmarked within 48 hours of delivery. Proof of the death of the animal during shipment must be provided before any agreement of compensation will be made, this must be provided within 7 days of delivery.

All animals come with a 30 day health guarantee and are guaranteed to be correctly sexed, feeding as advertised, and in good health upon arrival. All animals will be accompanied with a USDA Veterinary Health Certificate, and any CITES or ESA documents as required. Problems due to accident, environmental, or husbandry causes after delivery are not covered by this guarantee. I may require return of the carcass for necropsy at my discretion, and at my expense. If I require return of the carcass, I will provide instructions as to how to prepare and send the carcass.

I will not ship any animal that carries a protected status without proper permits and documents. I will not ship protected animals to localities where those animals are prohibited by law without first having copies of valid possession permits. These restriction also apply to venomous animals. No venomous animal will be sold to any person under the age of 21 under any circumstances.


That's it.

 

[Ghi Reptiles]

What else could you expect from the guy.....he is giving himself many ways out. He is a very shady guy ....be careful when doing any transactions with him!

 

[thancox]

Blind purchases can bit you in the @$$ - Lesson Learned

I purchased the CBB 100% het FT's from Bobby off of kingsnake.com.

At the time I didn't know he had a website
My initial inquiries about the FT's were via email.
It wasn't until later - after purchase that I learned about his website
and his "terms of sales"

It wasn't until after purchase that I learned about his reputation here on faunaclassifieds...

Because I made an impulse purchase, I may be in for the royal treatment.
A serious lesson learned.

DO YOUR RESEARCH ON A SELLER BEFORE MAKING A PURCHASE

* Check faunaclassifieds 1st, and if seller has a website - read terms & conditions. If the members on faunaclassifieds give the seller a good recommendation, if "terms & conditions" are reasonable, and if all pertinent questions about the product or animal have been answered to expectations... Go for the gold! Otherwise, inquires stop and purchase potential gone.

* If info. on seller cannot be found, the questions you ask about the product or animal should shed light on whether to do business or not with him/her.

Most of you already know the above... this is for the newbie’s who may fall victim to the same ordeal...

If I left anything out, please feel free to add to list of precautionary actions to take before making a purchase of, or similar to, this kind.

Now that I have made my crucial mistakes, the question is, what is the best way to deal with the problem at hand?

 

[oldherper]

I would also suggest, FWIW, filing a complaint with KS.com.

If you paid by credit card, file a dispute with your credit card company and see if they'll pull the funds back until it's resolved.

 

[Ghi Reptiles]

Now that I have made my crucial mistakes, the question is, what is the best way to deal with the problem at hand?

The best thing to do is forget about it and hopefully he will contact you......eventually. I would expect some very rude treatment from him as he is known for treating one really cool girl, Nett, absolutely horribly. This includes calling her the 'C' word on a public forum. I would seriously just wait out and see what happens. At minimum I would expect a public appology from him for treating a customer like this

 

[Urban Jungles]

Tsk tsk...

I would seriously just wait out and see what happens. At minimum I would expect a public appology from him for treating a customer like this

Matt, if you pay close attention to his website terms, you'll see that he clearly states that no apologies will be given if outright screwed during a weekday during the week of a full moon in combination with a catastrophic natural disaster...looks like you're outta luck.

Seriously though, I would wait at least until the holiday weekend is over then contact your credit card company or bank if he fails to make any effort to contact you.

At least you learned a valuable (albeit hopefully not expensive) lesson on impulse purchases. Today there are plenty of wonderfully dedicated and honest herpers out there breeding some beautiful animals, there's no need to continue to support the scum of the industry with our hard-earned dollars just to get your hands on a herp.

Good luck

 

[David Scarboro]

I would also suggest, FWIW, filing a complaint with KS.com.

Gerald, I can positively state from my own personal experience, that filing a complaint with KS (aka Kingscam) will not work. It is all about the money.

David Scarboro

Dahlonega, Ga.