Bad Guy - "Stephen_in_Seoul"
05-19-2008, 12:55 PM
#1
Bad Guy - "Stephen_in_Seoul"
On February 4th, I received payment (via PayPal) for a complete GReddy turbo kit with the MazdaManiac upgrade, a Synchronic BOV, a rewired harness for the 4-port motor and other upgrades to be sent to "Stephen_in_Seoul", who is a forum member in Korea.
On March 27th, the kit was shipped, despite massive difficulties with my suppliers and the availability problems from Garrett at the time.
I ended up losing money on the deal because of the increased margin on these parts and the rush shipping I utilized to try to make the shipping deadline for the system. A happy customer was more important to me than the few hundred dollars of profit I could make on the kit, anyway.
Stephen specifically asked to have the package undervalued to avoid customs. That made me quite uneasy, so I took out insurance on its parts value. I'm sure customs loved that discrepancy.
He also balked when I told him how much it would cost to ship via UPS (my shipping method of choice for numerous reasons). We opted for USPS to keep the cost down and to get in "under the radar" of Customs.
On April 1st, "Stephen_in_Seoul" sent me an e-mail indicating that he was wondering where his kit was. I responded, indicating the shipping policy on my site and told him it would probably arrive within 10 days, based on the information from USPS.
On April 23rd, "Stephen_in_Seoul" started a "bad-guy" thread, located here:
https://www.rx8club.com/good-guy-bad-guy-74/fraud-alert-names-mazdamaniac-144122/
He claimed non-responsiveness on my part and initiated a charge-back via PayPal.
My response to this thread is on the second page.
I contacted him again and sent him as much information as I could about the shipment.
I initiated an insurance claim with the USPS for the insured value of the system, but was told that the shipment was still "active" and it might be quite a while before I would have a resolution.
I also indicated in that thread and directly to him that I had been in nearly constant communication with him and the assertion that he made that I "never answer me and absconded" was spurious. I keep every correspondence and all transaction data filed with every purchase.
Not wanting to keep this customer hanging, I prepared a replacement kit (at my own expense) and notified "Stephen_in_Seoul" on May 11th that I would be shipping this as a replacement and that I expected him to notify me if the original kit was delivered.
Now, I realize this is a huge risk, but I felt it was an appropriate course of action to satisfy the situation and to make good on the transaction.
The acceptance of the offer was sent by "Stephen_in_Seoul" on May 14th and I sent photographs of the new kit (included below).
Today (May 19th) I received yet another charge-back complaint and had my PayPal account debited for the full value of the kit.
I am now out over $10k in this one transaction!
Fortunately, I have held shipment of this replacement kit pending a confirmation from "Stephen_in_Seoul" about the new shipping method and that I would NOT be willing to reduce the customs value or use a "budget" shipping method.
Unfortunately, I think I am being scammed.
I believe it is very likely that the original kit actually did arrive at the purchaser's location and he was attempting to get it for free. Getting a second kit was probably just a fantastic bonus for him.
Since I do not have the resources to take direct action in Korea and "Stephen_in_Seoul" has been less than responsive, I am compelled to start this thread here.
Really, I'm at a loss. I know that PayPal is probably NOT the best way to do such a large transaction because of the liability it can incur. Lesson learned.
I also know that shipping such large and expensive items to a country that has a less than spectacular postal system and is know to be rife with corruption and shady business practices was also probably a mistake. Lesson learned.
So, I will probably have to shut down my entire operation because my net operating loss from this one transaction will end up exceeding my entire income for the year and I am not a charity.
Sorry for the rant, but I hope someone finds this useful.
On March 27th, the kit was shipped, despite massive difficulties with my suppliers and the availability problems from Garrett at the time.
I ended up losing money on the deal because of the increased margin on these parts and the rush shipping I utilized to try to make the shipping deadline for the system. A happy customer was more important to me than the few hundred dollars of profit I could make on the kit, anyway.
Stephen specifically asked to have the package undervalued to avoid customs. That made me quite uneasy, so I took out insurance on its parts value. I'm sure customs loved that discrepancy.
He also balked when I told him how much it would cost to ship via UPS (my shipping method of choice for numerous reasons). We opted for USPS to keep the cost down and to get in "under the radar" of Customs.
On April 1st, "Stephen_in_Seoul" sent me an e-mail indicating that he was wondering where his kit was. I responded, indicating the shipping policy on my site and told him it would probably arrive within 10 days, based on the information from USPS.
On April 23rd, "Stephen_in_Seoul" started a "bad-guy" thread, located here:
https://www.rx8club.com/good-guy-bad-guy-74/fraud-alert-names-mazdamaniac-144122/
He claimed non-responsiveness on my part and initiated a charge-back via PayPal.
My response to this thread is on the second page.
I contacted him again and sent him as much information as I could about the shipment.
I initiated an insurance claim with the USPS for the insured value of the system, but was told that the shipment was still "active" and it might be quite a while before I would have a resolution.
I also indicated in that thread and directly to him that I had been in nearly constant communication with him and the assertion that he made that I "never answer me and absconded" was spurious. I keep every correspondence and all transaction data filed with every purchase.
Not wanting to keep this customer hanging, I prepared a replacement kit (at my own expense) and notified "Stephen_in_Seoul" on May 11th that I would be shipping this as a replacement and that I expected him to notify me if the original kit was delivered.
Now, I realize this is a huge risk, but I felt it was an appropriate course of action to satisfy the situation and to make good on the transaction.
The acceptance of the offer was sent by "Stephen_in_Seoul" on May 14th and I sent photographs of the new kit (included below).
Today (May 19th) I received yet another charge-back complaint and had my PayPal account debited for the full value of the kit.
I am now out over $10k in this one transaction!
Fortunately, I have held shipment of this replacement kit pending a confirmation from "Stephen_in_Seoul" about the new shipping method and that I would NOT be willing to reduce the customs value or use a "budget" shipping method.
Unfortunately, I think I am being scammed.
I believe it is very likely that the original kit actually did arrive at the purchaser's location and he was attempting to get it for free. Getting a second kit was probably just a fantastic bonus for him.
Since I do not have the resources to take direct action in Korea and "Stephen_in_Seoul" has been less than responsive, I am compelled to start this thread here.
Really, I'm at a loss. I know that PayPal is probably NOT the best way to do such a large transaction because of the liability it can incur. Lesson learned.
I also know that shipping such large and expensive items to a country that has a less than spectacular postal system and is know to be rife with corruption and shady business practices was also probably a mistake. Lesson learned.
So, I will probably have to shut down my entire operation because my net operating loss from this one transaction will end up exceeding my entire income for the year and I am not a charity.
Sorry for the rant, but I hope someone finds this useful.
05-19-2008, 01:15 PM
#2
Northeast Pimpin'
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Wow,
I knew something was up with his last thread.
have you tried to contact pay pal and let them know what happend.
usually if you provide a tracking number they cant take the money.
I would get involved with pay pal.
I knew something was up with his last thread.
have you tried to contact pay pal and let them know what happend.
usually if you provide a tracking number they cant take the money.
I would get involved with pay pal.
05-19-2008, 01:58 PM
#6
Northeast Pimpin'
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
05-19-2008, 02:08 PM
#8
Administrator
iTrader: (7)
oh **** Jeff, I'm sorry it's come to this! I remember chatting with you about this when you were in town and it didn't look good then... 
I can't even phathom what you must be going through being out $10,000 + on one transaction. Sorry to hear it man, wish I knew someone in Korea that could "help" with this.
I don't blame you for putting a halt to your operations over this, I'd definitely do the same if I were in your shoes. I think a lot of people here forget that you're doing most of this at a very small profit margin on your spare time, out of your hourse and in the interest of the RX-8 community, and that you are not a big corporation that can easily absorb such losses.
Good luck with Paypal, I hear they're horrible with claims but maybe this'll be the exception since you keep such detailed record.
Keep us posted.
I can't even phathom what you must be going through being out $10,000 + on one transaction. Sorry to hear it man, wish I knew someone in Korea that could "help" with this.
I don't blame you for putting a halt to your operations over this, I'd definitely do the same if I were in your shoes. I think a lot of people here forget that you're doing most of this at a very small profit margin on your spare time, out of your hourse and in the interest of the RX-8 community, and that you are not a big corporation that can easily absorb such losses.
Good luck with Paypal, I hear they're horrible with claims but maybe this'll be the exception since you keep such detailed record.
Keep us posted.
05-19-2008, 02:26 PM
#9
Northeast Pimpin'
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Jeff,
Is it possible that customs in Korea Seized the kit when they saw the stipulations on the insured value and the claimed value?
Is there any way to check delivery status at different check points to see if it ever did make it to Korea?
just trying to help.
Is it possible that customs in Korea Seized the kit when they saw the stipulations on the insured value and the claimed value?
Is there any way to check delivery status at different check points to see if it ever did make it to Korea?
just trying to help.
05-19-2008, 02:47 PM
#11
One Shot One Kill
wait, so do you still have the 2nd kit at ur hand? the 1st kit either is stolen or @ custom, what did the tracking say? if it's being shipped by sea, it can take months...
05-19-2008, 02:57 PM
#12
weak, fcking weak. Good help on this car is so hard to find, and now one of the most helpful people out there gets punched in the face by some lowlife ***** in another country, between this and Gotham getting robbed I hope the people doing this lame crap get run over and over again by the karma train...bastards.
If there's anything I (or the rest of us for that matter) can do to help don't be afraid to ask, I'm sure a lot of people on here would be more than happy to lend a hand somehow.
If there's anything I (or the rest of us for that matter) can do to help don't be afraid to ask, I'm sure a lot of people on here would be more than happy to lend a hand somehow.
05-19-2008, 02:58 PM
#13
I still am holding the second kit. Lucky for me, I guess. It is boxed up and ready to go and I would have sent it out tomorrow if I hadn't received this charge-back notice.
I explained to the purchaser that it could take a very long time for the mail to actually deliver the kit, but I guess that is not something he is willing to consider.
Tracking (which is a pretty generous way to describe what the USPS calls its receipt) says it is still out there somewhere. I always ship UPS (except to Canada because USPS seems to work pretty well there for everyone), but Stephen in Seoul wanted a reduced customs value and I couldn't get that past UPS.
If there is anyone in Seoul that happens to see this guy rolling around with a MazdaManiac upgraded GReddy kit in the next few weeks. let me know!
I explained to the purchaser that it could take a very long time for the mail to actually deliver the kit, but I guess that is not something he is willing to consider.
Tracking (which is a pretty generous way to describe what the USPS calls its receipt) says it is still out there somewhere. I always ship UPS (except to Canada because USPS seems to work pretty well there for everyone), but Stephen in Seoul wanted a reduced customs value and I couldn't get that past UPS.
If there is anyone in Seoul that happens to see this guy rolling around with a MazdaManiac upgraded GReddy kit in the next few weeks. let me know!
05-19-2008, 03:03 PM
#14
BTW - There are no more GReddy turbo kits out there.
They have gone completely into backorder and there aren't any in the US or Asia.
BHR is going to be the only way to get this system from now on. Ray will have updates as we get the technical end setup over the next few weeks.
I'll change my WEB page to reflect the new system soon.
Thanks for the support.
They have gone completely into backorder and there aren't any in the US or Asia.
BHR is going to be the only way to get this system from now on. Ray will have updates as we get the technical end setup over the next few weeks.
I'll change my WEB page to reflect the new system soon.
Thanks for the support.
05-19-2008, 03:22 PM
#15
Administrator
iTrader: (7)
That little piece of ****...
Stephen_in_Seoul
Last Activity: 05-19-2008 06:58 AM
Stephen_in_Seoul
Last Activity: 05-19-2008 06:58 AM
05-19-2008, 03:23 PM
#16
Northeast Pimpin'
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
BTW - There are no more GReddy turbo kits out there.
They have gone completely into backorder and there aren't any in the US or Asia.
BHR is going to be the only way to get this system from now on. Ray will have updates as we get the technical end setup over the next few weeks.
I'll change my WEB page to reflect the new system soon.
Thanks for the support.
They have gone completely into backorder and there aren't any in the US or Asia.
BHR is going to be the only way to get this system from now on. Ray will have updates as we get the technical end setup over the next few weeks.
I'll change my WEB page to reflect the new system soon.
Thanks for the support.
05-19-2008, 03:29 PM
#17
Northeast Pimpin'
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
05-19-2008, 03:31 PM
#18
But I can't fix this if he is going to basically rob me and then expect me to do something positive for him.
I've kept every e-mail and the time line. I've done everything I can to keep track of all the transactions and what I've done to rectify the situation.
I've braced myself for the deduction from my bank account, but it will probably hit over the next few days and I will be pretty much out of commission for a while.
05-19-2008, 03:34 PM
#19
One Shot One Kill
so if you sell the 2nd set of turbo, u woudn't be 10k under right? think it's a misunderstanding on paypal's part or something. the 1st kit will take a long time to get there and that is what he gets for "cheaping out" on shipping on a 7 grand turbo system.
05-19-2008, 03:34 PM
#20
There is nothing in particular I want to see in Seoul right now, anyway.
It would actually only be about $3k for the trip. Still, what would I do? Take a bat to the guy?
If I sold the second system, I could recoup the charge-back and it would end up being close to a break-even - maybe a $500 - $700 down.
05-19-2008, 03:42 PM
#23
Lenin in Disguise
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I just explained to him how to get ahold of paypal executive escalations. I've got a good feeling he'll be back in the black again soon. Our friend Stephen might not be so lucky however. 
05-19-2008, 03:43 PM
#24
Northeast Pimpin'
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
