TheSamba.com :: View topic

Thu Nov 27, 2003 7:49 pm

I have ordered many things from fellow VW owners selling things on the Samba and I have to say I have always been satisfied with every aspect of the purchase except for ONCE! I am hoping someone out there can help me.
I ordered a 65 wiring loom from Raul in Bridgeport, CT for $100 in May 2003. Well it is now Nov. 2003 and I have no loom and no money back. I overnighted the money so I would make sure that Raul got it and could make sure I was first to make the purchase. I spoke with him on the phone prior and he said. "You send the money and it's yours". Okay, fine. Well he sent it out regular mail, not insured, nothing and it was supposedly lost. Okay, things happen however as time has past and it has never turned up. I think some courtesy could be extended. I have emailed him numerous times, called him on the phone and get no reply at all. Now I am demanding my money back and I am still getting no response. If anyone knows this individual could you please help. I deal with people in good faith and VW people have always been good to deal with so this situation really bothers me.
I really like the Samba. It has been the best resource I can find and it's a shame that people like him put a blemish on that.
His email address is raulvw_@hotmail.com
Teresa :evil:

Thu Nov 27, 2003 9:35 pm

people get screwed from time to time. you might want to ask if there is anyone in CT in the rants forum and tell them your problem. you may have better luck in there then here.

Fri Nov 28, 2003 4:18 am

Post the seller's name and your experience in the Classifieds forum so others won't do business with this person.

Fri Nov 28, 2003 4:21 am

Same thing I was going to say 79Vert! One other questions did you send the money with a received receipt? Once you have a signature you can use the USPS to prosicute(sp) for mail fraud!

Fri Nov 28, 2003 5:27 am

Well... i hate to say it, but i see both sides.

The buyer's side is, I sent the money and never got the item.

The seller's side is, I sent the item, but it was lost in the mail.

If either the buyer or the seller insisted on insurance, there would be no problem.

A number of times when buying items off the samba or "that auction site" the seller insisted on sending it insured. Of course the buyer pays for the insurance. That protects the seller from this situation.

So... if the seller can produce a reciept that he did in fact send it... what do you do?

I say he should refund 1/2 the amount, since both the buyer and seller are at fault for not insisting that it be insured.

Sound fair?

Fri Nov 28, 2003 9:42 am

very solomon-like glen- a fair solution. The only thing that makes me a little suspicious about the part actually being sent is the fact that the seller is allegedly ducking all communication post-sale.

This thread should definitely be moved to the classifieds forum.

Fri Nov 28, 2003 9:57 am

I'd talk to the post office, not because they lost your item (allegedly), but for mail fraud. Make the guy prove that he actually sent it. You need proof that he received the money, and hopefully you have that. Good luck, Jeremy

Fri Nov 28, 2003 11:29 am

Wonder if it's the same Raul that Yustrn dealt with on "that auction site". :lol:

Fri Nov 28, 2003 11:43 am

I was wondering the same thing. It couldn't be, could it :?:

Fri Nov 28, 2003 11:49 am

I know a guy named Raul who lives in Ct. And if it's him, he's always been honest.

But not trying to resolve this is not right.

Fri Nov 28, 2003 2:48 pm

I would be very surprised if the Postal Service or UPS lost a package. I have never lost a package in 20 years of shipping with either company. I would demand a tracking number on it from Raul. Anything bigger than an envelope usually has a tracking number. If Raul cannot produce one for you, then you'll know that he is a bull shitter.

Fri Nov 28, 2003 4:05 pm

I don't know about other sellers, but I decided that all parcels that didn't go FedEx Ground and went USPS would be sent with delivery confirmation. 55-cents of insurance -- CHEAP. I did it to protect myself from someone who might claim they never received a parcel. I'm not trying to bad mouth the person who started this thread. I am saying this as a word to the wise. In the 3 years I've been selling parts and shipping them not only in the US, but around the globe, and parcel has never, ever been lost. I e-mail the tracking number to the buyer once the item has been shipped. Both parties are protected.

Fri Nov 28, 2003 11:58 pm

Thank you all very much for responding. I really appreciate it.
I sent the payment overnight w/the post office so I do have a signed copy that he received payment. Now the question was raised as to why he did not ensure the package or send it UPS so it could be tracked. I didn't understand that either actually because anyone that I have dealt with ALWAYS did that.
I have checked with the post office near me on several occasions and I actually have someone in particular checking the main branch in my area every Sat. but nothing has turned up.
It did not cross my mind that I could persue mail fraud.
I think what annoyed me most was that I did not get any responses to my requests to discuss the matter. His email address is raulvw_@hotmail.com

Teresa