[SEL] Canadian Fun

[Jeff Allen]

Hi Paul,

I now offer some of my e-bay items worldwide. I've sold one, and he 
bitched about the cost of shipping, and wanted me to lie on the customs 
form. I'll not do it, and most international sellers make that part of 
their terms. I can imagine they too have been burned. I would suggest 
that you use e-bay for those you don't know. Set a buy it now price and 
send them the auction for purchase. I have never been burned by a list 
member and in all honesty I don't think I will be. Rules are different 
for strangers.

Since you did include an address for the "gent" I'll pop off an e-mail 
informing him how I feel about your fine work. Don't give up trying to 
help, just do so with due care.

Jeff Allen

Paul Evans wrote:

> People sometimes wonder why as a museum we are reluctant to help, so.
>
> A couple of months ago a Canadian "gentleman" by the name of Rob 
> Stephens asked for help with a Petter genset he was rebuilding. We 
> have spare new pumps and injectors and offered to send him a set.
>
> He sent us a money order for £50 to cover cost and postage and we sent 
> a set off. A couple of weeks later we get an email saying nothing had 
> arrived. We left it another couple of weeks to be on the safe side and 
> sent him another set as he said he was desperate.
>
> He had asked the package to be marked $20 for customs purposes, they 
> opened it and returned it marked "Opened By Customs - Return To 
> Sender", we assume because of low value declared - never had that 
> happen before so unsure.
>
> Now start getting grumpy emails - fair enough he wants his bits, so we 
> send again.
>
> His latest email is below:-
> ...........
> stephensrw at stn.net
>
> I'm going to give you just a few more days to do the honorable thing and
> take care of this.  Your correct response will begin by replying 
> immediately
> to my unanswered emails.  If I hear nothing I intend to let the world 
> know
> what you did via the internet.  I don't think your buddies in the engine
> collecting circles will be impressed.  Is your reputation worth fifty
> pounds?  I now know that your conscience isn't.
>
> Rob
>
> ..........
>
> We had not cashed his money order, we would not have done until he 
> received the parts, and have told him it will be returned. Total cost 
> to the museum around 150 quid.
>
> We currently respond to around 30 emails a day and a similar number a 
> week looking for physical help. As a result of the cr*p over this one 
> and others we have decided to pack it in and will not be offering a 
> help service any more.
> If anyone out there fancies starting a museum take my advice and 
> forget it!
>
> :-)
>
> Paul
>
> Internal Fire Museum of Power
> http://www.internalfire.com
>
> (We enjoy it really)
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