Advise

[Ken]

Folks need a reality check assist here. No names mentioned. I ordered an item from a vendor a year and a half ago and it is a no show. This person took a deposit, my fabric and buttons to the tune of about $230.00 and has not delivered. I call and they don't answer and mailbox is full (surprise!). I've repeatedly sent emails and finally got them to respond to one inquiry about two weeks ago with a promise to produce the item within the week and you guessed it; item was a no show. No courtesy call back apologizing or explaining. I've since then sent repeated requests (Facebook & email) and tried the phone this morning (surprise no answer and mailbox full). To be honest I'm more disappointed than angry because I wouldn't have expected this kind of treatment by the person. By the way this is not one of the approved suppliers from this site, perhaps my first mistake. In any event I'm honestly not sure what to do. Your thoughts? Thanks!

[BobRoeder]

Hi Ken,

I tried sending this via PM but your box is fulll, so here goes....

If you have all the information - past messages concerning the transaction, list of items you sent, receipt/cancelled check or money order, anything you have that proves what was involved in the transaction. I assume you know where this person lives, contact the local police department, be prepared to email, mail, etc. everything involving the transaction.

I had to do this twice. The first time the jerk who seemed to think it was funny that he had my money and took his sweet time responding had my item in the mail the same day I contacted the local police; this was in rural Canada. The second one, I posted a similar message on a reenactors forum that I knew he used for most of his sales contacts. I was nice, always be nice. I explained the transaction in detail, asked if the time I waited was normal, etc, etc. I also sent the guy a message - again being nice, but assertive saying I wanted to cancel the items I ordered 2 years ago. I did not mention his name but said enough that people would have an idea who it was. Even the moderator/owner of the forum emailed me saying what I did was fine and he would allow it as long as I stayed nice about it. I received a full refund from the creep.

Luckily in both cases I saved all the email correspondence, got a copy of the cancelled money order/check. In the first case, with the wonders of this technology, I was even able toask the jerk why it was taking so long to send the item when he only lives 1/4 mile from the post office!!

Lastly, I believe if you used a postal money order, or if any of the transaction used postal services, it could be considered mail fraud.

Whe people take your money and keep it without delivering what was promised it is theft, not business!!!

Hope this helps.

Bob

[Ken]

Bob

Thanks, I rally hate to go the legal/law enforcement route but my patience is wearing extremely thin at this point.

[cwpilgrim]

I had a well known vendor that only sent my items after I had threatened litigation.

Inquiries were ignored until I mentioned that I need a response in 5 days or there will be legal action. I was responded to immediately and received the items in 2 weeks.

This was a case of someone receiving almost $1,000 for 2 items. Delivery was promised in 2 months, and instead dragged out to 8 with no explaination, until they were legally threatened.

I would send a certified letter to that effect. They sign for the letter and know you are done playing games.

Good Luck.

[Ken]

John,

Thanks as much as I would hate to do that I really feel as though this individual is leaving me very little choice.

[LibertyHallVols]

There is a lot to be said for a postal money order delivered " signature required".

[dixieflyer]

There is a lot to be said for a postal money order delivered " signature required".

And to add to that, the USPS takes postal fraud VERY seriously. That might be an avenue open to you rather than the local law enforcement. The idea of facing Federal charges can really make things happen at times.

[LibertyHallVols]

Expectations:
Let me expand on my previous post...

Let me tell you how a friend handled a similar situation with a vendor not related to our hobby in an effort to avoid the dilemma of payment sent but goods not delivered:

He called and asked if the item was "in stock". The answer was "yes", so he asked what the expected delivery time would be and was told "two weeks". So, he sent a postal money order with a letter describing what he wanted, with whom he spoke, and what the promised delivery time was. The whole thing required a signature upon delivery. This allowed him proof that, not only did he receive payment, but the agreed upon terms of delivery. If the terms are not met, the business cannot deny that they've received payment or the letter.

[Secesh]

If the US Postal Service is involved (i.e. mail order item / service) this constitutes mail fraud. I have had to file complaints twice in the past with the Postal authorities regarding non-delivery of items from vendors. Amazing what an inquiry can do when someone realizes they are facing a felony charge in Federal Court...

[pvt_dirty]

I have been waiting 6 years for a coat from Lukas Berg. I have given up hope. I hope everything works out for you.

Tyler Goodrich