Upstate Exotics ??? (help me)!

[Darin Chappell]

Sarah,

I am not going to stick up for Upstate Exotics in any way, but the practice of not putting the word "Live" on a box has its benefits. Firstly, some companies will not ship live reptiles as per their national standards. However, many individuals have permission to do so from their local managers. So, they mark their boxes "Fragile," "Handle with care," "Keep out of sunlight," "Keep warm," etc. to overcome the problem of shipping something that another manager might squawk about down the line while still trying to keep the cargo safe. Secondly, as sick and sadistic as it is, there are some who see "Live" on a box and take that as their opportunity to shake, drop, and kick that box just for the "fun" of it! Just something to consider . . .

 

[Dennis Gulla]

I would definitely have to agree with Darin on this one. They are starting to feel the effects of this board. Maybe possible costomers are questioning them regarding these posts. Not exactly sure, but it's hurting them.......What happened to those cocky people that were so happy to constantly have their threads moved to the top of the board everytime someone posted. "Free advertising or publicity" was the way they put it.

In regards to the complaint site that Tony posted, you said those were "OLD" complaints from your husbands construction co. I would not consider something as being "OLD" when each complaint was registered less then a year ago.
Compaints filed on 9/9/2002, 11/8/2002 and 12/7/2002

This is nothing but damage control!!!!Please do not insult my intelligence any further with your BS Posts!!

 

[Stardust]

Darin,
I have to disagree on the packaging. On every single animal I have ordered online there was always on the box "live harmless animal" But then again I have been lucky that everyone who has sent to me had good or great packing skills. AND I know with UPS he always keeps my animals in front with him (could be that he is used to coming here with animals lol and I have shown him some of my animals) And the last sent to me came USPS it was my first that way, he not only had the animal in the front but called me to let me know he was on his way and stopped here first! Maybe I have been lucky but so far so good.
As far as asking upstate questions, you are one hundred percent right. They are not going to change.

 

[sarahhaltom]

Thanks for the replies guys. And while I understand your point there is something I don't understand.
If a shipping company has a national standard or rule not to ship live animals, then why would someone use that company and try to "hide" what they are shipping? Wouldn't it be better to use a company that allows this type of freight? I am not arguing here at all hon just trying to get a full understanding.

And just for the record....Upstate did not write ANY one of those alternative "warnings" on the box. However when Robin received the 2 cornsnakes from a very cool guy who did everything right, there was a sign on the box stating "live animals...careful" or whatever.

I know that people can be cruel and mistreat things and that not all "freight workers" have decency about them but I would think that the person who shipped it would go to the fullest extent possible to ensure the safety and well being of the animal they are shipping to someone who is their CUSTOMER.
Animals have feelings too.....(yes I am a tree hugging, animal loving, Goddess-worshipping hippie witch!LOL) I can not stand cruelty to animals and am against people like Upstate for even being allowed to run their crappy business. They didn't care about if that snake got to Robin alive or not because HEY the money was already in their pocket...and with all of their problems already....hey what's one more peeved off customer?

Thanks again for the replies!
Sarah

 

[sarahhaltom]

And one more thing Upstate.....

Upstate, you said you were trying to do a complete turn around? Well then why would you go on to accuse Robin of trying to get money or another snake? What kind of a turn around is that? One from the "Upstate Exotics business school of screw- your -customer-"? Why are you accusing your customer of LYING to you? What kind of customer service is that? Obviously you do not subscribe to the business ethics of the customer is always right.

I'll tell you what I think. I think you have no choice but to accuse her of lying or trying to get something from you because that is exactly what YOU do! You lie and you try to get stuff from people...ie MONEY.

YOUR pictures mean NOTHING, because the one darn snake she DID receive was not even in that bag. I don't care if you have some crummy witnesses that "work" for you (and just might lie for you) that said they helped you put 2 snakes in the bag.....if that is the case you might wanna really look at the snakes you carry...because HEY they might be worth a lot of money.....How much can you get for an invisible snake? And how much can you get for a snake that can slither through solid objects such as a fabric bag? That completely defies science as we know it and hey you just might be onto something.

Robin has nothing to do with this post. I am sick of hearing these people make excuses and act like we are all a bunch of idiots. In my life I have NEVER seen customer service this bad..EVER!!!!! Shame shame shame!
A disguntled Sarah

 

[whiteblackbird]

snake bag

Hey! I'm not as dumb as I thought! I looked back at the pics of my snake and the shipping box: you CAN too see the rip. Look again, Upstate.

 

[kenster]

In all seriousness now... What the hell are you doing to that animal? Pinching it's spine so hard that you force that kind of reaction?

And you posted these pictures as if you were PROUD of them?!

Sure, we've all seen pics of the species with nastier dispositions needing to be held behind the neck... but not with enough force to injure or cause it pain... and it's a F!@#$%ing cornsnake, there's no need for that kind of approach.

Seamus,
I saw that pic last night and was in shock. But to be honest it really didn't surprise me at all. After all we have all heard of the human killing power of a 32" corn Maybe someone who breeds corns for a living can show Upstate how to hold a 32" corn and not break ribs and cause sever pain like that poor little guy is in!

Upstate just a little hint, if you are THAT afraid of that little corn maybe instead of twisting it's head off... next time wear a glove...

 

[Stardust]

Well, Ken, this is not a dreaded corn snake (they will be on the way ) BUT it is a mean mean milksnake. Now to ensure total safety my daughter carries one of her new snakes like this.

 

[Dragondad]

Question

Way off subject but does that work better than the dating application.

 

[gila7150]

The following is direst quotes from Kingsnake.com's classifieds TOS:
"Vendor Complaints - Please note that UNLESS the complaint involves non-delivery of goods or theft, all vendors have a three complaint rule. Get three complaints and you have to resolve them ALL before we can allow you to post again."
"Any complaints of non-delivery of goods or theft are cause for immediate suspension of your account."

Anyone who has a complaint about Upstate Exotics needs to file a complaint with Kingsnake.com if the animal you purchased was from a Kingsnake classified ad. I'm pretty sure these problems will be resolved quickly if their classified account is suspended.

 

[Stardust]

Thank you for contacting our abuse department.

Please note that due to the sheer volume of e-mail our site receives and
federal and state privacy laws we can neither reply to your complaint
specifically or release information about users or accounts. We can and will
release this information to the proper authorities upon their request.

In order for your complaint to be considered a formal complaint against an
individual or a business, we require that you file a complaint at the
Internet Fraud and Complaint Center located at https://www.ifccfbi.gov

Once you have completed filing a complaint there, they will e-mail you a copy
of your complaint. Please forward us a copy of the IFCC complaint and we will
begin an internal investigation of your complaint.

Please be aware that we take internet fraud seriously and so does the IFCC.
Please help us control fraud and theft on our site and help protect yourself
and others.




This is what I received from KS after my complaint on someone, it has to go thru more than just a complaint. I am still in the process as I know someone else is as well.
I do, however, encourage people to go thru the "process" if they have been ripped off.

 

[gila7150]

Yup,
Once they receive a copy of your IFCC complaint it's considered an official complaint. According to their terms of service, once three "official" complaints are received the vendors classifieds account is suspended until all the complaints are resolved by the seller.
Locating 3 complaints for a company like this should be a piece of cake.

 

[veronica]

feed back on reptibid

Just read those negative comments on reptibid....wow how can anyone sell sick animals like that?
http://www.reptibid.com/cgi-bin/auction/auction.pl?ITEM=1060586311&ALIAS=Sal&action=viewrate&pb=40

Demon (-2) Fri Jul 25, 02:21 AM Negative 1056202080
Comment: this guy sal has sold me thirty five captive bred baby ball pythons, all have died some had ticks on them none of them lasted more then a week

ALL 35 died?

 

[DThomas]

Re: Hi Everyone,

Any HELPFUL ideas on how you would like us to handle things please let us know.

Here you go Allison, these should be the Ten Commandments of how to run a business.

I can't take credit for the following, it was posted on another site but it fits very well here. The link is provided for proper credit to the original poster.

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,7411478~root=cable,ath~mode=flat

1. Commit to quality service. Everyone in the company needs to be devoted to creating a positive experience for the customer. Always try to go above and beyond customer expectations.

2. Know your products. Conveying knowledge about products and services will help you win a customer's trust and confidence. Know your company's products, services and return policies inside out. Try to anticipate the types of questions customers will ask.

3. Know your customers. Try to learn everything you can about your customers so you can tailor your service approach to their needs and buying habits. Talk to people and listen to their complaints so you can get to the root of customer dissatisfaction.

4. Treat people with courtesy and respect. Remember that every contact with a customer — whether it's by email, phone, written correspondence, or face-to-face meeting — leaves an impression. Use phrases like "sorry to keep you waiting," "thanks for your order," "you're welcome," and "it's been a pleasure helping you."

5. Never argue with a customer. You know darn well that the customer isn't always right. But instead of focusing on what went wrong in a particular situation, concentrate on how to fix it. Research shows that 7 out of 10 customers will do business with you again if you resolve a complaint in their favor.

6. Don't leave customers hanging. Repairs, callbacks and emails need to be handled with a sense of urgency. Customers want immediate resolution, and if you can give it to them, you'll probably win their repeat business. Research shows that 95 percent of dissatisfied customers will do business with a company again if their complaint is resolved on the spot.

7. Always provide what you promise. Fail to do this and you'll lose credibility — and customers. If you guarantee a quote within 24 hours, get the quote out in a day or less. If you can't make good on your promise, apologize to the customer and offer some type of compensation, such as a discount or free delivery.

8. Assume that customers are telling the truth. Even though it sometimes appears that customers are lying or giving you a hard time, always give them the benefit of the doubt. The majority of customers don't like to complain; in fact, they'll go out of their way to avoid it.

9. Focus on making customers, not making sales. Salespeople, especially those who get paid on commission, sometimes focus on the volume instead of the quality of the sale. Remember that keeping a customer's business is more important than closing a sale. Research shows that it costs six times more to attract a new customer than it does to keep an existing one.

10. Make it easy to buy. The buying experience in your store, on your Web site or through your catalog should be as easy as possible. Eliminate unnecessary paperwork and forms, help people find what they need, explain how products work, and do whatever you can to facilitate transactions.

 

[DThomas]

Re: feed back on reptibid

Just read those negative comments on reptibid....wow how can anyone sell sick animals like that?
http://www.reptibid.com/cgi-bin/auction/auction.pl?ITEM=1060586311&ALIAS=Sal&action=viewrate&pb=40

Demon (-2) Fri Jul 25, 02:21 AM Negative 1056202080
Comment: this guy sal has sold me thirty five captive bred baby ball pythons, all have died some had ticks on them none of them lasted more then a week

ALL 35 died?

From what I have been reading around the net, there has been a problem this year with WC balls dying. No CB snake should have a tick on it. I have only seen ticks on WC snakes.

 

[Living Art Reptiles]

Upstate Exotics.

Hi Dennis,
That was a great post. One through nine is beyond Upstate Exotics comprehension. Now ten, I think they got a tiny portion down pretty good.

(Make it easy to buy), when they want your money the illusion created helps generate the sale. Prior to receiving your funds, they are easy to get a hold of and seem friendly. They will even try to sell you the moon and say, it’s not wild caught its captive born. Then they run like hell, with your funds of course.

(Eliminate unnecessary paper work), yeah, they will loose it alright.


Thank you,
Tony.

 

[whiteblackbird]

?

I wonder why Alison or Sal hasn't replied to any of this, especially since they asked for me to answer their questions? Hmmmmmmmmm........ (Yeah, like I really don't know the answer to this one.)

 

[tishadi]

It seems like Upstate's golden rule is "DO UNTO OTHERS.....THEN RUN"

 

[veronica]

As someone who is new to the herp world.. let me say that I do pay attention to the negative feed back on people. If i see red flags going off I stear clear especially when I see that they have a large amount of animals die not long after shipping. That one

Demon (-2) Fri Jul 25, 02:21 AM Negative 1056202080
Comment: this guy sal has sold me thirty five captive bred baby ball pythons, all have died some had ticks on them none of them lasted more then a week

on Reptibid threw up some pretty big red flags and no matter how many good posts they have, something like that is enough to make anyone want to avoid them.

 

[UpstateExotics1]

Dennis...

The funny thing....that guy, if you read his feedback. NEVER BOUGHT THEM!

I never received payment. Read both sides of the feedback if you're going to bring light to it please.