What would you do???

[BrianB]

Ladies & Gents,

Here's my problem, maybe you can offer me some advice. For now I'm going to leave the specifics (names and such) out .

Over a year ago, I made a purchase of a vending related item from somebody I considered very reputable and trustworthy. This person had never done anything to make believe that they would ever stiff me on something.

I took delivery of the item and was very happy with what I got, I mean the guy went out of his way to make sure that I got everything I had paid for and more. It was a very good transaction even though FedEx Frieght kinda screwed up and shipped the item(s) to Dayton, OH instead of Columbus, IN which made for a longer drive but oh well!

So I get the item home and I am super stoked! This machine is awesome and it's pretty unusual. I get an email from the person who sold it to me and he asked if I would be willing to send him a portion of the machine, the light up sign, to him so that he can have a guy he knows reproduce the sign. No problem! It's the least I could do. Especially since he had helped me with shipping on a few transactions and because I love helping with projects that involve reproducing items to aid in the restoration of old machines.

So I send the sign off. Flash forward a few months and I get a status update letting me know that the signmaker is hot on the job, awesome!

Flash forward a few more months....Turns out a few of the colors needed to complete the sign are special order and will take a little while to get shipped in, no prob!

Well....at about the 6 month mark I haven't heard much so I email the person. He tells me that a very unforetunate event has taken place in his life and that the sign project has taken a back seat. Ok, I can deal with that. It turns out that the legal proceedings this person is going through is stickier thatn I previously thought. He tells me that my original sign is caught up in the middle of the legal dispute and cannot be had easily.

A few options are thrown around and we settle on either he will get my original back or he will give me a reproduction sign free of charge as a payback. I was not happy with the situation but was ok with it.

After another 6 months of waiting and monthly emails I get told by this person that my original sign no longer exists and that the reproduction isn't an EXACT reproduction. The top of the of MY original sign is rounded and the repro isn't which means I'd have 5to do some serious modifications to the metal housing that the sign resdies in. Along with that the colors and design are different!!!!! but he assures me that it looks awesome and I'll really like how it turned out.

The last email I recieved was August 13th saying that he will take a trip up to where the sign is and mail it to me and that I've waited long enough.

My question to everybody is when is "enough" enough? I've been waiting over a year and am at my wits end. I have every email this person has sent me and it pains me to read them. I feel like I've been: Lied to, Cheated, and Stolen from. Three things that I despise.

Now the person refuses to respond to PM's and is apparently trying to avoid me but is still willing to make public posts here all the while gaffing me off.

What would you do?'>

Please let me know. Unforetunately my next step will be legal action. additionally, I would feel compelled to let everybody here know who the person is to make sure that they don't get scammed by this person too.

  '>  '>

[cormy]

You have shown remarkable restraint and patience, much more than I would have been able to show. Looks like you are going to get stuck. Unfortunately in this hobbie we take our chances with each transaction and luckily 95% of them are good. Legal persuit? I don't hink it would be worth the time and effort. At some point in time with this and related hobbies (collecting) this is going to happen to all of us, if it hasn't already.

[sodaworks]

Brian, I feel for you buddy. What a shame. I had a some what bad experience with someone who posts here every now and again, it took me over a year to get my parts from him. I will not be conducting anymore business with him. Which sign are you missing? Maybe we can dig one up for you.

[globalcompressors]

Ouch, Brian!!!

The way I see it, he still owes you an original sign...period!  Unfortunately, we all have setbacks. Lord knows I have had my share this year. The situation still remains the same, he owes you.

If possibable, go to where his location is, county, state etc. and file a lawsuit in small clames.  If you win, at the very least, you will win a judgement against him and his company. This can create more than just a headache, preventing any further, existing credit with suppliers or opening new accounts. It will damage his personal credit, showing up as a judgement against him for any new loans, house, car etc.  

I don't know what the value of the sign is, but I'm sure you can create more trouble than it's worth, hopefully getting your sigh back.

As far as mentioning a name...my name had come up once or twice. It's kind of a shock when it happens, making me want to do better a better job or compensate my customer, discount, shipping or whatever it takes. You be the judge!

I learned a long time ago, customers are a privilege to have. I work hard at keeping a good reputation.

Anything I can do?  Let me know!

Eric '>

[bubba]

Brian
I can't believe you have been this patient. I guess you kinda have to be though. Let us know what the sign was so we can keep an eye out for it.

I'm kinda going through something similar on another site with something of much less value. I made a purchase from a site owner on a site that I also mod at. The guy has been shipping my parts for a month and a half now. I'm about ready to blow the top on that one very shortly.

[loman4ec]

Brian, That really sucks. What sign was it? I am sure that someone here can help you find another one. You have been more than patient. I wouldn't have made it to six months. You say that this is a member here? I hope this isn't one of the frequent people? I don't recommend bashing people but I think in this case I would tell the name. After all this site is a group of friends that are almost like family. I can't believe someone here would stiff you like that.  '>

[BrianB]

Thanks for the kind words, I really appreciate it. I was starting to think maybe I was being to unreasonable. I like to give folks the benefit of the doubt.

Also, I really appreciate the offer to help me find a sign, that's super-cool! But, if I tell you guys/gals what kind of sign it is, it will give away who this person is.

To make matters worse, this is a regular.

I'm holding off on mentioning the person. I'll give them one final chance to get my sign to me. Like you said, Josh, I'm not into character asassination/bashing but I can only take so much.

[MoonDawg]

Anytime something leaves your posession it is subject to loss, theft or damage.  Would you feel better if he just told you it was lost in shipping and that he would pay the insured value?  Probably not, as the money can't really buy that sign again.
       I would try and contact the holder of your sign and explain the importance of it to you.  But heck......if Tom can find a Queen Anne sign, yours will surface too!



        Ever notice that when we get a real good deal on a machine we are excited for about 2 days then move on.
        But when we lose money on a deal, it takes months to get over it.   '>

         On the other hand, my Uncle always said " If you owe a man a dollar.....PAY him,  but if a man owes you a dollar.....COLLECT it"!

[Eric]

I wouldn't wait any longer...You've gone above and beyond....
 If you can get the sign get it....
Whoever has the sign and is reading this.... come on..... put yourself
in his place.... give the sign back... Don't burn a bridge and loose
a friend....
Can you post an image of the sign so we can all keep a look out?
(Which is a shame cause the person with it should be sending it back
to you in the condition it was sent)

Best of luck....

[Jim]

Brian,

I'm upset to hear this siduation! Moreover, a regular here at SMC!
I think you have been more than patient in this case...
Can you get contact info on the person reproducing the sign and make arrangements to have it returned(w/ one of the reproductions)...?

I have to say that I can't aggree with you more on the fact that liars and thieves are not highly rated in my world! With that said, I'm hoping you can resolve this and should it be necessary, please let us know who we are dealing with...

Lastly, do have more info on what "legal proceedings" are keeping something not owned by this party involved...?