Bad Transaction?

[tooljunkie4]

Until mid-August, I had a set of Blue-Point spiral-flute extractor sockets (Part # 305TTWYA ) for sale through my "Quality Tools For Trade" thread. The price was $100. The cost of shipping was included.

dirtmister16 expressed interest in them and, when he agreed to my price, and we exchanged mailing addresses. Payment was to have arrived in the form of a USPS money order. As dirtmister16 had 660 posts behind him, I shipped immediately - via a small USPS Priority Flat-Rate Box. dirtmister16 indicated that he sent a money order on August 20, 2013. All seemed fine.

A week passed. I hadn't received payment. Not a huge problem.

Ten days passed. I started to worry, and so sent a PM. The response received was as follows:

"hello,

i just got back home i have been out of town for work. i will let you know tomorrow, perhaps i messed up your address or something."

That's the last I've heard from him. He has signed in at least twice since - the most recent being 10/17. I have left further messages (requesting Money Order serial #, photo of receipt, acknowledgement), but to no avail. Tracking on the sockets indicated that they have been delivered.

Things come up. Ugly things happen in everyone's life at some point. For a time, I was hesitant to make this public out of concern that, in doing so, I might have been a bit hasty in reaching conclusions. Nine weeks have passed, though; it seems much likelier now that I've been had.

Has anyone else run into a similar situation with this member?

 

[Neverfly]

Is it the same DirtMister16 that does YouTube mech videos?

If a money order was sent; it being lost is Not A Problem. If he's honest...
He simply needs the number from the money order stub and hey presto- it will be covered.
Unless he didn't send it and must hide from messages requesting information...
Let's hope for "honest" and that he replies with a number for it so you guys can get the proper amount resent.

 

[tooljunkie4]

Is it the same DirtMister16 that does YouTube mech videos?

So far as I am aware, it is. His most recent Ford truck project video seems to suggest that he's not dead, badly injured, or ******* with a crisis.

 

[Neverfly]

Well, you've publicly called him out-- Which I think is a Great Thing. But now that you have, maybe give him a bit of the benefit of the doubt and see if he pops up to voice his side, I think. Might not hurt to ensure the Moderators on here are aware... I mean, if they don't like my hell-raising and dissing Snap On; I'm Quite Sure they won't like their sales classifieds being a problem.

 

[Bull]

Well, you've publicly called him out-- Which I think is a Great Thing. But now that you have, maybe give him a bit of the benefit of the doubt and see if he pops up to voice his side, I think. Might not hurt to ensure the Moderators on here are aware... I mean, if they don't like my hell-raising and dissing Snap On; I'm Quite Sure they won't like their sales classifieds being a problem.

We don't like it and are prepared to ban him, but that feels hollow. I'd rather see the OP get his money.

 

[Neverfly]

We don't like it and are prepared to ban him, but that feels hollow. I'd rather see the OP get his money.

Very true. Banning removes the possibility of resolving the issue.
While being banned may not seen very threatening, perhaps having people viewing his youtube videos and his blogs questioning his integrity may just upset him enough to take action. After-all, an innocent misunderstanding can happen... But public support against a "supposed or accused" conman is usually disinterested in considering it a possible innocent misunderstanding. The only recourse is to either step up and try to settle the issue or make yourself look really guilty...

 

[Fordman7795]

Since when does post count = credibility? I hate to see anyone get scammed on here but you really should have waited to ship until you had payment in hand and cleared.

 

[Neverfly]

Since when does post count = credibility? I hate to see anyone get scammed on here but you really should have waited to ship until you had payment in hand and cleared.

The buyer can say the same. There is no middle ground you see... What's to stop the seller from taking the money and then disappearing, claiming to have shipped it, etc?

In the end, it makes no difference when he shipped it because it makes no difference whether the buyer paid before or after shipping- since they cannot Meet at a point in between their respective residences, it's an issue that relies of Honor and Trust and those that are dishonorable and break trust are always the ones at fault.

You do not fault the honorable.

 

[dirtmister16]

i am in touch with tooljunkie and will resolve this issue with him as best i know how. thank you.

 

[DRhodes]

Hopefully it all works out.

 

[tooljunkie4]

Hopefully so. I received the following message from dirtmister16 this afternoon. Will update this thread after the end of November, or once payment has been received - whichever comes first.

hello,

i aplogize for the delay and lack of replies to you. i have been a bit busy.

i was notified about the thread you started, seems you never got your money. i aplogize and would like to rectify that situation..


i feel that you should get your money though i do have issue that im am already out the money orginally. it is important to me that my reputation stay in good standing here on the garage journal and i will be sure to get you paid in full.

sadly though i don't have the money at this time as im in a crunch till next payday and my hours have been cut as it is. would you be wiling to accept a payment at the end of the month? i get paid then and will be able to get you sqaured up.

again i dont' know what happned to the orginal money order all i know is that it was sent out and you never recieved it. i had checked with the post office and they could do nothing for me. i just assumed it was one of those things where it took a little longer and after that i forgot about it. i should have kept in touch with you more it seems about it, i am terribly forgetful and when life gets busy things happen sometimes.

i hope we can resolve this issue.

thank you for your time and some of your patience. matt

 

[Bull]

I am glad that the lines of communication have been opened.

As for the OP sending the tools before payment arrived: I agree that it is a risky move, but I believe that it speaks to Matt (tooljunkie) having a very high personal standard of honor and ethics. This is how he has come across in all my interactions with him.

It's also true that every transaction requires someone to assume the first risk. We have come to accept that it should be the seller, but that is just a convention. If the money being sent equals the value of the goods being sent, then each participant is assuming the same financial risk in sending their portion first.

 

[graffix000]

Good luck Tj on getting your money. If a postal money order was purchased initially, wouldn't the stub from the MO be used to show it hadn't been cashed and have another MO provided by the post office?

 

[JohnMcD348]

I wonder if, since you can show proof through postings(if that's legal evidence) that it was agreed you would use postal money order and postal service for delivery, if a Mail Fraud claim cannot be initiated. You can present proof that it was agreed to use a postal money order and you have the receipt and record of delivery.

It's worth a try.

 

[tooljunkie4]

A minor update.
Third and second messages received from dirtmister16 regarding this situation:


November 24, 2013

hello,

could i get your address again just to make sure i get it right? also i probally won't get it out tomorrow as i have some brake lines to do in the morning before work. if i get the chance ill drop it in the box after work. otherwise it won't be till tuesday morning i can send it out. either way it won't go out till tuesday.


November 8, 2013

forgot to go back and reply to you, oops! anyway, yes soon as i can, i have a few deals going for stuff being sold but its small change i will see how it goes i can scrape the money up ill send it your way.

 

[nicksnothereman]

A minor update.
Third and second messages received from dirtmister16 regarding this situation:


November 24, 2013

hello,

could i get your address again just to make sure i get it right? also i probally won't get it out tomorrow as i have some brake lines to do in the morning before work. if i get the chance ill drop it in the box after work. otherwise it won't be till tuesday morning i can send it out. either way it won't go out till tuesday.


November 8, 2013

forgot to go back and reply to you, oops! anyway, yes soon as i can, i have a few deals going for stuff being sold but its small change i will see how it goes i can scrape the money up ill send it your way.

Load of bull bro. He's just stringing you along. Of course, not my problem so that's as far as I get involved.

Just saying.

 

[Neverfly]

Find out on the following Friday... Allowing for mail time.

Make sure he gives you the Money Order Number.

 

[DRhodes]

I still cant believe that this is unresolved. Keep us updated.

 

[CNGsaves]

Re: Bad Transaction - - DirtMister16 ?

Has the "buyer" sent a copy of purported Postal Money Order to Seller??

FAX or email a copy to Seller as he is entitled to assist in reporting mail fraud to the Post Office.

If no proof of initial Money Order can be produced, then draw your own conclusions . . . . This one does NOT seem to be passing the smell test.

I always perform "Due Diligence" on a Seller before I send away money for Ebay or CL purchase. Yes I've sent money to out-of-state CL seller and everything worked out in end. However, I keep in constant email and phone contact on what's going on . . . . Seller really liked that I immediately emailed the Postal Money Order number, date issued, amount, and when the payment was expected to arrive by snail mail.

Other bad smell for Dirtmister16 are his other recent threads/posts that he is busy buying other tools on Ebay and CL. Also, his thread about rebuilding truck sure looks like he's spending plenty of money. This recent thread talks about him having 3 sets of tools.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=212426
Another one says he is buying temporary storage shed.

Sure hope this is resolved properly and QUICKLY since it's been dragging since August !!

 

[tooljunkie4]

Update: The end of November has passed. No payment has been received from dirtmister16. Also, no tracking number or postal money order serial number. The last communication arrived Wednesday of this past week, and reads:

let me know when your money arrives i sent it out yesterday. sorry for the slow reponse. been a busy week.

I will keep an eye on the mail through the coming week. Will post an update when payment arrives or when Saturday arrives - whichever comes first. I hate having had to do this.

 

[woodstockva]

Why doesnt he return the sockets to you?

He obviously doesnt have any money available. That would be better than continuing this game it seems.

 

[Hiball]

Update: The end of November has passed. No payment has been received from dirtmister16. Also, no tracking number or postal money order serial number. The last communication arrived Wednesday of this past week, and reads:


I will keep an eye on the mail through the coming week. Will post an update when payment arrives or when Saturday arrives - whichever comes first. I hate having had to do this.

Life gets in the Way sometimes, but I do find it concerning that he has the time to Work on his truck and continue to update the community on the Progress but cant take the time to make it right between you 2. I don't send a lot of Money Orders, Probably the only time I buy them is if the Seller here at GJ only accepts them versus Paypal, But IRC isn't there a Receipt that you can Keep that verifies it was sent and im assuming there is a way to see if its been cashed, Maybe some sort of recourse if its lost in the mail, etc? I can say personally that after reading this thread, It definitely leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Good Luck to the Seller..

 

[Neverfly]

Also, no tracking number or postal money order serial number.

Of course not. He would only include that if he was telling the truth.

Why doesnt he return the sockets to you?

He obviously doesnt have any money available. That would be better than continuing this game it seems.

Because he wants the sockets for free.

I think it's clear at this point that DirtMister is stringing the seller along and utterly Full Of It.

 

[jbaccell]

I have to agree, there is no valid excuse for his behavior and his feeble attempts to explain why he failed to make good on what he owes is insulting to anyone with a brain.

Of course not. He would only include that if he was telling the truth.


Because he wants the sockets for free.

I think it's clear at this point that DirtMister is stringing the seller along and utterly Full Of It.

 

[Tarheelgarage]

Hate to state the obvious, but you have been **** upon by DirtMister or should it be Dirt-bag?

 

[Neverfly]

The shame isn't just on DirtMister.
It's on the forum as a whole... Because DirtMister will undoubtedly get away with his theft (The worst he must fear is being banned from the forum- oh noes...) he could make it harder on others looking to buy and sell. He compromises the integrity of the board.

Always get a Money Order S.N.

 

[Bull]

I stand ready to ban him once the OP gives me the signal. It's a weak gesture and doesn't really help the OP, but it's all that is in my power to do.

He could be Wenzeled, but not by me and really we can't even facilitate that here.

 

[NHBandit]

He was just on here a couple or 3 days ago bragging about some money he got for scrapping some metal... Nothing worse than a thief in my book.

 

[Neverfly]

I stand ready to ban him once the OP gives me the signal. It's a weak gesture and doesn't really help the OP, but it's all that is in my power to do.

He could be Wenzeled, but not by me and really we can't even facilitate that here.

Maybe I need to clarify my above post...
I was not meaning to convey that the forum is responsible for one members behavior nor that the forum as a whole or its moderation is lacking in integrity over this.
Rather that the forum as a whole suffers one members lack of integrity. In the Army, we said that a platoon is only as strong as its weakest man.
In this setting, trust is a necessary platform for sales.
A bit of my own shame- I cautioned jumping to quick judgments at the start of the thread.

Oh and uhh... What is "wenzeled?"

 

[Flivver250]

Tool truck salesmen gets saddled with about 10% bad debt. Sorry that happened to you. Is there anyone that shares his hometown that can go over and collect the cash or tools for you? BTW, mist means manure in German. Manure generally comes from cows, dirtmister is a man, a male cow is a bull. Chose his name appropriately. Dirty bull crapper.

 

[HOTFR8]

Do you have any way to send Goods Cash On Delivery in the US ?

I do it here with Aust Post all the time. The person can not take collection of the goods until paid for and after a time if not collected and paid for they get returned to me.

You send them COD the person wanting them pays for them plus freight and then Aust Post sends payment of the goods back to me.

 

[mmack66]

Do you have any way to send Goods Cash On Delivery in the US ?

I do it here with Aust Post all the time. The person can not take collection of the goods until paid for and after a time if not collected and paid for they get returned to me.

You send them COD the person wanting them pays for them plus freight and then Aust Post sends payment of the goods back to me.

Yep, but most folks just wait for the payment to arrive before sending out the goods. At least I do.

 

[HOTFR8]

Yep, but most folks just wait for the payment to arrive before sending out the goods. At least I do.

I used to do it that way and then found many failed to send the money or chased you to see if you had the money so now I just send COD.

 

[955point9cummins]

I didnt know it was possible to send cod in the us... I'll have to look into that. There is my "something learned" for the day.

Hope this mess works out the way it should. I haven't been here long but I get a good sense of community from everyone here. There's always gotta be one *******.

 

[fd123]

I haven't been here long either....but I get a good sense of community from everyone here also.. I HOPE and PRAY that this gets resolved! Its a HORRIBLE FEELING to be taken advantage of. I think the only chance you have of getting your tools/money is to find someone local to pay him a visit for you. I guess you can always look on the bright side and say to yourself "It could always have been worse"...This just *****!!
Best of luck to you man!

 

[CNGsaves]

Snail mail should get from Wisconsin to Maryland in 2 or 3 days normally.

If payment isn't to Seller by say Wedn of this week (ie buyer claims he mailed on Wedn before Thanksgiving), then all the toe-tapping, fiddling, squirming, and jibber-jabber were just excuses of the Buyer.

Guess we'll find out this week. Buyer better get his priorities straight as his other thread talks about buying new outdoor temporary shed !!

 

[carcajou]

Lets keep this in perspective guys. It is one bad deal out of hundreds of good ones on here. No need to get all paranoid and expect the worst from everybody else. I buy tools all over Canada on Kijiji and send out payment assuming i will be shipped what i ordered. Trust goes both ways. I'll bet the buyer will come through but it sure hurt his credibility on GJ didn't it. Have a great day everyone.

 

[HOTFR8]

Lets keep this in perspective guys. It is one bad deal out of hundreds of good ones on here. No need to get all paranoid and expect the worst from everybody else. I buy tools all over Canada on Kijiji and send out payment assuming i will be shipped what i ordered. Trust goes both ways. I'll bet the buyer will come through but it sure hurt his credibility on GJ didn't it. Have a great day everyone.

Correct, Sadly a bad deal stick with you even after you have made plenty of good deals.

 

[OxJaw]

Oh and uhh... What is "wenzeled?"

It's a long read, here you go though.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/general-chit-chat-classics/399203-d60-rear-4-88s-35-spline.html

 

[O RLY]

He is also active on the Camaro Zone boards...

http://www.camarozone.com/forum/members/956.html

From Black River Falls, WI

Looks like he was trying to sell an 82' Stang a while back...

http://www.fiero.nl/cgi-bin/fiero/s...0003&thread=20100421-6-058645&style=printable

He is also registered on several other car forums and a paintball forum under the Dirtmister16 name but he's not that active.

DOB:September 16, 1987 (26)