• Posted 12/19/2024.
    =====================

    I am still waiting on my developer to finish up on the Classifieds Control Panel so I can use it to encourage members into becoming paying members. Google Adsense has become a real burden on the viewing of this site, but honestly it is the ONLY source of income now that keeps it afloat. I tried offering disabling the ads being viewed by paying members, but apparently that is not enough incentive. Quite frankly, Google Adsense has dropped down to where it barely brings in enough daily to match even a single paid member per day. But it still gets the bills paid. But at what cost?

    So even without the classifieds control panel being complete, I believe I am going to have to disable those Google ads completely and likely disable some options here that have been free since going to the new platform. Like classified ad bumping, member name changes, and anything else I can use to encourage this site to be supported by the members instead of the Google Adsense ads.

    But there is risk involved. I will not pay out of pocket for very long during this last ditch experimental effort. If I find that the membership does not want to support this site with memberships, then I cannot support your being able to post your classified ads here for free. No, I am not intending to start charging for your posting ads here. I will just shut the site down and that will be it. I will be done with FaunaClassifieds. I certainly don't need this, and can live the rest of my life just fine without it. If I see that no one else really wants it to survive neither, then so be it. It goes away and you all can just go elsewhere to advertise your animals and merchandise.

    Not sure when this will take place, and I don't intend to give any further warning concerning the disabling of the Google Adsense. Just as there probably won't be any warning if I decide to close down this site. You will just come here and there will be some sort of message that the site is gone, and you have a nice day.

    I have been trying to make a go of this site for a very long time. And quite frankly, I am just tired of trying. I had hoped that enough people would be willing to help me help you all have a free outlet to offer your stuff for sale. But every year I see less and less people coming to this site, much less supporting it financially. That is fine. I tried. I retired the SerpenCo business about 14 years ago, so retiring out of this business completely is not that big if a step for me, nor will it be especially painful to do. When I was in Thailand, I did not check in here for three weeks. I didn't miss it even a little bit. So if you all want it to remain, it will be in your hands. I really don't care either way.

    =====================
    Some people have indicated that finding the method to contribute is rather difficult. And I have to admit, that it is not all that obvious. So to help, here is a thread to help as a quide. How to become a contributing member of FaunaClassifieds.

    And for the record, I will be shutting down the Google Adsense ads on January 1, 2025.
  • Responding to email notices you receive.
    **************************************************
    In short, DON'T! Email notices are to ONLY alert you of a reply to your private message or your ad on this site. Replying to the email just wastes your time as it goes NOWHERE, and probably pisses off the person you thought you replied to when they think you just ignored them. So instead of complaining to me about your messages not being replied to from this site via email, please READ that email notice that plainly states what you need to do in order to reply to who you are trying to converse with.

Info Thomas Platts West Coast Exotics - sketchy behavior

sixgunsun1177

sixgunsun1177

Redneck reptile wrangler
Joined
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Messages
192
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Age
44
Location
Albuquerque, NM
I contacted Thomas Platts 1-20-2015 about some adult female knob tails he had on a classified site. I originally offered to trade silver coins, he express some interest but didn't know the value. We agreed the best thing would be for me to sell some of the collection and get back in touch to see what he had.

I checked back 1-22-2015 just letting him know the coins were taking a while to sell. Not to hold anything on account of me but I would check back.

1-23 rolls around and the coins sell so I look old Thomas up. We agree on a deal for 1.1 adult knob tails, 0.0.1 baby knobs and a yearling female Crested, all of which he is going to ship Monday. I proceed to take the day off and get caging lined up for their arrival.

1-26 Monday rolls around and the other geckos I'm expecting are shipped without a hitch. 3:31pm receive message from Thomas "Hey can we wait till next Monday to see how the weather is"
This is not ok with me as it's not what we agreed on. This late in the day message indicates something came up on his end. Thomas was fully willing to ship 1-27 for -1-28 delivery. Weather in my zip of 87015 isn't looking real gecko friendly the 28th, nor did he bother to check this before he offered to ship then. After a few excuses and attempts from Thomas to make me comfortable with waiting I asked for a refund.

Simple, no hard feelings. No big deal about not shipping as agreed. Just a simple I would like my money back.

I feel like because he went outside of the terms we agreed to I am entitled a refund. He is obviously not looking out for the best interest of the animals so quickly offering to ship them in 3-5 inches of projected snow the 28th. So that argument simply won't hold up.

After asking for my money back Thomas proceeds to tell me he needs 48 hours to notify paypal and that the transaction will take 3-5 days more. I think we all know payment and refund(of money thats actually there) is instant.

Given the facts I gather my money is not in Mr Platts paypal account. That or he could instantly refund me.
I called "Bullsh!t" on his excuses and run around. Thomas decided to try and make it a bickering match.
I stand behind my opinion that making excuses and playing politician with a buyers money when they request a refund is BS.

It is a very short lived fued but I'm not willing to let it become a long drawn out 2 month process for a refund that will take a few clicks and a log in. If everything is legit a refund should not be a big deal.

Screen shots of conversation to come.
Conversation started Tuesday
Matthew Peacock
1/20, 4:56pm
Matthew Peacock
Hi Thomas,
Nice female wheeleri you have posted. Would you have any interest in trading for some sliver coins? Here's a link so you get an idea of what I have if interested. Thanks for your time.
Matt
http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/forums/showthread.php?t=516923

Trade Old silver coins to trade - FaunaClassifieds
www.faunaclassifieds.com
Trade Old silver coins to trade Trading and Bartering
Thomas Platts
1/20, 4:58pm
Thomas Platts
How many females are you interested in?
Matthew Peacock
1/20, 4:59pm
Matthew Peacock
I would be super stoked with even one, but I have enough coins to make it worth your while to trade all 3.
Thomas Platts
1/20, 5:00pm
Thomas Platts
How would I know the value of the coins
Matthew Peacock
1/20, 5:01pm
Matthew Peacock
These girls still have some good breeding years left in them, yeah?
Thomas Platts
1/20, 5:01pm
Thomas Platts
Oh yeah
It's all about feeding
Where are you located
Matthew Peacock
1/20, 5:02pm
Matthew Peacock
I could include a price guide with them, there are also free online price guides you can use. Like I said I will more than make it a good deal for you and I have a great rep on the BOI
What kind of bugs/supplements do you sue/recomend for wheeleri?
I am in Edgewood, New Mexico
Matthew Peacock
1/20, 5:09pm
Matthew Peacock
If it's not your cup of tea no sweat. I just figured I would throw the idea out there.
Tuesday
Thomas Platts
1/20, 9:16pm
Thomas Platts
im iffy on coins. i sold a few a while ago. the shop only cared of it was silver. how would the trade work?
cant you cash them in and paypal it and ill send them out ??? just thoughts
money is money
Matthew Peacock
1/20, 9:18pm
Matthew Peacock
If you wanted them for resale I would actually advise against it. Coin dealers are mizers(they have to be) and it would take awhile to part it out on Ebay or to collectors.
What would shipping cost me to Edgewood, NM 87015
Thomas Platts
1/20, 9:23pm
Thomas Platts
i have a bunch of coins i get once a year. its pretty cool
let me check on shipping
Thomas Platts
1/20, 9:29pm
Thomas Platts
shipping is $60
Matthew Peacock
1/20, 10:09pm
Matthew Peacock
Ouch, shippung kills you these days. I just listed some of those counsel on eBay ay very fair prices. They should sell quick and I will be in touch. Thanks a lot Thomas. I appreciate you.
Ouch, shippung kills you these days. I just listed some of those counsel on eBay ay very fair prices. They should sell quick and I will be in touch. Thanks a lot Thomas. I appreciate you.
Thursday
Thomas Platts
1/22, 10:04am
Thomas Platts
hey no prob let me know if i can help with anything else
Matthew Peacock
1/22, 10:06am
Matthew Peacock
Man you must be psychic. I was just thinking of messaging you. Those coins haven't sold as quick as I had hoped. I am.hoping you still have a female for me when the funds come around.
I will keep in touch.
Thomas Platts
1/22, 10:07am
Thomas Platts
i was planning to do a trade man i want it. but cash is better:) we will see ill let you know if i get rid of them before then
and i am psychic
Friday
Matthew Peacock
1/23, 7:30pm
Matthew Peacock
Whats up my friend? Just checking in with you to see how your week was? A few of those coins sold so I am starting to put an order together. Do you happen to have any adult male leopards for sale? I am hoping to get an my male leo and knob(s) from the same place so I don't have to pay shipping twice.
Holla back man, love to hear from yah.
Thomas Platts
1/23, 7:34pm
Thomas Platts
what kind of leopards? i have a buddy thats selling some leos
Matthew Peacock
1/23, 7:36pm
Matthew Peacock
Does he have them posted online? I like Diablo Blancos, Embers, Snow&Enigma combos. I just need a male but I would pick up a female if priced right.
Thomas Platts
1/23, 7:36pm
Thomas Platts
he has two available
Pacific green and a super platinum blizzard 50% het tremper
Matthew Peacock
1/23, 7:47pm
Matthew Peacock
I'm probably going to pass on your friends geckos. Do you have anything elde for sale besides the adult female wheeleri?
Matthew Peacock
1/23, 7:55pm
Matthew Peacock
I want to try and make that $50 shipping worth it. I'm not saying I don't want a adult female cause I do.
Thomas Platts
1/23, 8:24pm
Thomas Platts
i have a few different things i also have a male for the female knobs
Matthew Peacock
1/23, 8:29pm
Matthew Peacock
What do you need to get for the pair?
Thomas Platts
1/23, 8:30pm
Thomas Platts
one million
Matthew Peacock
1/23, 8:31pm
Matthew Peacock
The coins weren't that rare bro ;0)
Thomas Platts
1/23, 8:32pm
Thomas Platts
$300
Matthew Peacock
1/23, 8:34pm
Matthew Peacock
SOLD, can I paypal you now? http://www.weather.com/weather/5day/l/87015:4:US

Google
www.google.com
Search the world's information, including webpages, images, videos and more. Google has many special features to help you find exactly what you're looking for.
Matthew Peacock
1/23, 8:36pm
Matthew Peacock
Any chance for shipping Monday for Tuesday. Looks like it's above freezing all night in my zip and in Nashville. http://www.weather.com/weather/5day/l/USTN0357:1:US

5 Day Weather Forecast for Nashville, TN - weather.com
www.weather.com
5 day weather forecast for Nashville, TN. The five day forecast for Nashville, TN includes weather conditions, temperatures and chance of precip.
Thomas Platts
1/23, 8:37pm
Thomas Platts
sell you unsexed baby i produced for $75
Matthew Peacock
1/23, 8:49pm
Matthew Peacock
With the baby what would that put my total at?
Thomas Platts
1/23, 8:54pm
Thomas Platts
375 for three knobs
the baby came from my red line
Matthew Peacock
1/23, 8:57pm
Matthew Peacock

Matthew Peacock
1/23, 8:57pm
Matthew Peacock
this dude right?
You are hooking me up and breaking me and the same time. It's like a friendly punch in the wallet.
Thomas Platts
1/23, 8:58pm
Thomas Platts
yeah that one
Matthew Peacock
1/23, 8:59pm
Matthew Peacock
I will take the group if you PROMISE to send me the nicest adult female. I want a good start to my knobs. Deal?
Thomas Platts
1/23, 8:59pm
Thomas Platts
i thought you would enjoy that
Man you put up a hard bargain.Sounds like a deal
Thomas Platts
1/23, 9:21pm
Thomas Platts
I can ship Monday for Tuesday delivery
Pay pay [email protected]
Do you want and paradox albino sand boas ,chewis, crested geckos,pet only stripe gargoyle babies
Matthew Peacock
1/23, 9:29pm
Matthew Peacock
What was your friend admit on those adult leopards? What do you have for cheap cresteds?
Thomas Platts
1/23, 9:47pm
Thomas Platts
i can do 25 for a sexed female baby year old
bright orange yellow flair sides
Matthew Peacock
1/23, 9:49pm
Matthew Peacock
yeah throw her in the box. I would really like to score a cheap male leo too. I have two huge adult females looking for love.
Free shipping on orders $400 and over right? ;o)
Thomas Platts
1/23, 9:53pm
Thomas Platts
I have some nice adult males Cresteds
Thomas Platts
1/23, 9:53pm
Thomas Platts

Thomas Platts
1/23, 9:53pm
Thomas Platts

Thomas Platts
1/23, 9:54pm
Thomas Platts
Males
I also have a female
Thomas Platts
1/23, 9:58pm
Thomas Platts

Thomas Platts
1/23, 9:59pm
Thomas Platts

Thomas Platts
1/23, 9:59pm
Thomas Platts
Male Leo
Thomas Platts
1/23, 10:00pm
Thomas Platts

Matthew Peacock
1/23, 10:03pm
Matthew Peacock
The crested are sick flamers but I know I cant afford them. I need a ready to breed male leopard. They are both sweet but got some growing to do it looks like.
Thomas Platts
1/23, 10:05pm
Thomas Platts
What crested ?
Matthew Peacock
1/23, 10:07pm
Matthew Peacock
The adult cresteds are nice but I am sure I cant afford them.
Thomas Platts
1/23, 10:07pm
Thomas Platts
I can do the female for $100 at 30 something grams I raised her here
The males are $35
Matthew Peacock
1/23, 10:15pm
Matthew Peacock
I think I will be pretty happy with the 1.1.1 wheeleri and the yearling female crested. That was $400 total right?
Thomas Platts
1/23, 10:17pm
Thomas Platts
Yeah
Plus $50 shipping
Matthew Peacock
1/23, 10:20pm
Matthew Peacock
Can we split shipping?
I had to haggle my ass off when I sold those coins.
Thomas Platts
1/23, 10:21pm
Thomas Platts
$40 shipping ?
Way cheaper then driving here
I'm giving you a really good deal on all these you will enjoy very much.
Matthew Peacock
1/23, 10:23pm
Matthew Peacock
heck yeah you are man I appreciate it.
Thomas Platts
1/23, 10:26pm
Thomas Platts
Did you get my paypal ?
Matthew Peacock
1/23, 10:27pm
Matthew Peacock
You should be paid
Thomas Platts
1/23, 10:27pm
Thomas Platts
Yeah I got it
440 received
Saturday
Matthew Peacock
1/24, 9:01am
Matthew Peacock
Thanks again Thomas, I am really looking forward to getting this geckos in. Letting me know when you have a tracking number for me. When they arrive I will be sure to leave feedback on the BOI and a review on your Facebook.
Saturday
Thomas Platts
1/24, 1:29pm
Thomas Platts
Your very welcome I'm happy to help you out .
I really enjoy working with these reptiles. Nothing makes me happier to meet a fellow hobbyist.
I'll get a tracking for you on Sunday or Monday. Il take to the main fed ex center. Around 4 or 5 pm. So they won't have to sit in a box more then they have to. If there is any thing else I can get you let me know .
Thanks again
Thomas
Today
Thomas Platts
3:31pm
Thomas Platts
Hey
Can we wait to see how the weather is next monday to ship?
Matthew Peacock
4:52pm
Matthew Peacock
No, the weather won't be on our side for awhile here. If you can't ship today that's cool. Just send the funds back and when weather is cooperative we can see what you have available. Thanks for checking with me.
Thomas Platts
4:56pm
Thomas Platts
I can hold these for a bit it's not a problem. Let's hold off and see how the weather is next week. I have a few animals waiting to ship
I have a great reputation you have nothing to worry about
Matthew Peacock
5:09pm
Matthew Peacock
The whole basis of the order was shipping Monday. All of a sudden at 331pm ship day we need to watch the weather? I have another package that was sent out as agreed. The weather forcast hasn't changed since we our deal. If we had agreed before to wait for the weather that'd be one thing. We were shooting for Monday because its the nicest expected weather for awhile. I would just like the money refunded. We can just call it done.
Thomas Platts
5:14pm
Thomas Platts
That's not a problem. Just wanted them to be safe with the other order. My fed ex hub ships out at 5 pm thats why. I can ship tomorrow then for you. If that makes you more comfortable. Your my customer and want to make you happy. I can drop them off tomorrow at nine in the morning when the store opens.
I'm sorry for the late notice. Not trying to screw you bud
Thomas Platts
5:19pm
Thomas Platts
805-587-3607 we can talk on the phone if you like.
I would like you to feel comfortable with your order.
Matthew Peacock
5:19pm
Matthew Peacock
I took off work Tuesday to receive these guys. Wednesday its projected 3-5 inches of snow. I live in the woods, just like the name suggests. Today was warm, tomorrow will be too. Then its going to be winter for a while. So its unfortunate that they didn't go out today. Thanks for looking for an alternative solution. I do appreciate that.
Matthew Peacock
5:21pm
Matthew Peacock
It's not that I don't trust you. We had specific shipping terms for a reason. I am not available to wait for FedEx multiple days in a row.
Thomas Platts
5:21pm
Thomas Platts
Okay give me 48 hours to let PayPal know. Then it will take PayPal 3-5 business days to transfer.
Matthew Peacock
5:22pm
Matthew Peacock
That's bullshit Thomas. A refund is instant. I have issued them and received them before.
Thomas Platts
5:25pm
Thomas Platts
Please don't be rude .
I said that because it might take longer then the time I tell you and you seem to be precise.
Never done a refund before. That's how it worked when I got my refund before
You will receive your refund .
Matthew Peacock
5:48pm
Matthew Peacock
Thomas I am sure your good reputation was built by doing the right thing. Spending someone's money before they receive the animal and are happy is the first rule. Spending the money before you even bother to ship? Paypal to paypal refund should be just as quick as my payment to you. There's not a whole lot left to go back and fourth about so my next step is letting paypal handle it.
Thomas Platts
5:50pm
Thomas Platts
yup didnt spend your money thats dumb. lets not assume
ill keep rule book handy
Sent from Messenger
 
While I agree that he should have checked the weather first, it is not unheard of to change shipping to do weather. And refunds don't show up instantly. You can do a refund with paypal, but it generally takes a few days to show up in your account. Same with a refund from a store. I can buy something and get home and the money is out of my account. However if I return something, I generally don't see the refund for 3-5 days or so.
 
After reading through this whole thing all I can think is the op is extremely inpatient and crass. The only thing I see the seller did wrong was not offer a reason for not shipping, but he was more than accommodating in trying to fix it. Honestly I feel this post is more why you should not do business with the op.
 
Kristi23 said:
While I agree that he should have checked the weather first, it is not unheard of to change shipping to do weather. And refunds don't show up instantly. You can do a refund with paypal, but it generally takes a few days to show up in your account. Same with a refund from a store. I can buy something and get home and the money is out of my account. However if I return something, I generally don't see the refund for 3-5 days or so.
Click to expand...

The email from PayPal is instant when money is moved.
 
Guy Castro said:
The email from PayPal is instant when money is moved.
Click to expand...

The e-mail is pretty instant, but the money isn't. That was what I was trying to get across. But I do see in the messages where the seller said he needed to transfer the money, so that would be different. He probably took it out of paypal and had to transfer it back into the account.
 
Kristi23 said:
The e-mail is pretty instant, but the money isn't. That was what I was trying to get across. But I do see in the messages where the seller said he needed to transfer the money, so that would be different. He probably took it out of paypal and had to transfer it back into the account.
Click to expand...

When someone sends money via Paypal,it's in the receiver's PayPal account within a couple minutes if he's a member.
 
The seller did not offer a reason, as to why he was unable to ship, but, up to this point, I do not see where he did anything wrong.

Technically, the seller did "breach the contract". Thus, the buyer is in the right, to request a refund, if he feels a refund is necessary at this point.
Although, it is commonplace (and well known) for seller/buyer to work together, on another reasonable ship date, if shipping cannot occur on the first date given for shipping (if reason given is fair &/or valid).

Personally, I do not like leaving funds, in my Paypal account, just in case someone turns out to be a scammer, who attempts a "charge back", after receiving critter/s.
I usually transfer the funds to either my bank account or to my husband's Paypal account.
Sure, a dispute takes time but freezing an account does not.

If funds are in my husband's Paypal account, I can do a same day refund (should refunding ever be needed).
However, if funds are in my bank account, it will take some days, for transfer, in order to issue a refund (should refunding ever be needed).
Same thing would be true for anyone else, who transfers Paypal funds into their bank account, etc.
 
Guy Castro said:
When someone sends money via Paypal,it's in the receiver's PayPal account within a couple minutes if he's a member.
Click to expand...

It's always showed up as pending for me and I can't take out the funds for a few days. The e-mail I would get would say the same thing. I've never had instant access to funds through a refund. I've had a handful over the years.


I do agree that if the buyer asks for a refund and the seller agrees, there is no reason to not refund within 24 hours unless the funds are already out of the account. I'm thinking he needed to transfer them back.

The shipping date was agreed on and then didn't happen, so I think the buyer can ask. However I do think that asking for a refund when the weather is too cold to ship isn't really ok. JMO. I always check weather forecasts when I buy or sell. That way I can help out with picking a safe time to ship. I've often times waited months to receive geckos in the winter.
 
Kristi23 said:
It's always showed up as pending for me and I can't take out the funds for a few days. The e-mail I would get would say the same thing. I've never had instant access to funds through a refund. I've had a handful over the years.


I do agree that if the buyer asks for a refund and the seller agrees, there is no reason to not refund within 24 hours unless the funds are already out of the account. I'm thinking he needed to transfer them back.

The shipping date was agreed on and then didn't happen, so I think the buyer can ask. However I do think that asking for a refund when the weather is too cold to ship isn't really ok. JMO. I always check weather forecasts when I buy or sell. That way I can help out with picking a safe time to ship. I've often times waited months to receive geckos in the winter.
Click to expand...


A quick update to my post because I went to paypal's site. If the seller has the funds in the account, the refund should be almost instant. If they need to transfer from a bank, it is 3-5 days. And a merchant account can take up to 7 days for a refund. Obviously the refunds I have received from ebay must have been bank transfers. It also says that it can take up to 30 days for a refund to show up on your bank or credit card if you paid that way.
 
I've dealt with Thomas Platts myself. He was awesome, very responsive and certainly went above and beyond with me. Weather was a problem with shipping my snakes but I would rather wait to make sure the critters are safe and in not danger. Yes, we all want our stuff quick but with a little patience good weather finally rolled around and I got them fine. I would do business with him again.
 
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