Bad Guy WARNING....Nick Nistico "Precision reptile labs"

[Miss Tuniwha]

Jay, Josh came here, posted publicly to inform others of the situation..

People are (mostly) just trying to get a better grasp of what is going on.

so no.. this is not just between josh and nick.. because it was brought here.. specifically so that it WASN'T just between them..

Josh has made it clear, he just an apology (more then the money) and a little respect for the work he has done, as anyone would want

 

[HoldThePickle]

Get Sum, just because you are friends with Nick does NOT mean people should stop posting their reviews and warnings to others. Are you serious? The last line in your longer post, you're essentially saying "Everyone in the hobby knows Nick's reputation, so stop posting about it." And these proplemsa aren't "in the past" as you described. The video Nick made mocking and insulting a guys wife was just a matter of weeks ago. Hell, the Fish and Wildlife raid on Dark Forest was only 3 months ago. If you have good things to say about him, they say them. But to tell other people to not said negative things is just retarded. This is a thread about warnings of Nick Nistico..... NOT the thread titled Josh and Nick's tiff. If someone wants to warn about buying for Nick, here's the place to do it. That's what it's here for.

No, ya know what.... for all 1 in 100 of you that have had good things to say about Nick, just stop. Those approval threads need to stop. (See how brilliant that sounds)

 

[DaveyFig]

Josh never worked for me, he is a child, he stole rodents from my freezer and animals from my cages. I will not tolerate this type of disrespect. Dont believe me, ask vegas chad?

I think the most important part of Jay's post is that he confirms that Josh DID work for Nick, after Nick says he "never" did.

 

[HoldThePickle]

Yeah, that's ture Davey. For like 15 pages people were just trying to get or ask for proof and this is pretty clear now.

 

[TropicalWorld]

I am the owner of Tropical World and was notified about the picture of our place. We rent a greenhouse to Nick, as well as office space. We have watched him develop his web site, but more importantly his facility. I am impressed and for the first time somewhat interested in reptiles and amphibians. They are housed in "Monster Size" immaculate facilites with plants and natural surroundings. Not in shoe boxes like at pet stores. So far I think he has done an excellent, excellent job, of creating habitat conducive to a healthy animal. He has my permission to photograph anything at the facility and use it in his website.

He has UPS pickup everyday and most go out Next day air. He has arranged for last pick up late in the evening and boxes are open until the last thing and are under air conditioning. He may also have an early pick up for some shipments, but I don't get involved.

As for his business ethics, I don't know, nor is it my business. I don't think he would be investing the amount of money he is investing and not be intending to stay in business, and that means treating customers ok. I do know that I would buy from him as his animals have are healthy as I never see any sickly. Again they are housed humanely and I have never seen anything better. Most are in trees surrounded by lucite enclosures many about 6 to 8 feet square. He even has a mist system for some varieties

I do know when I ran a petshop garden center combination many years ago, I gave up selling puppies, (maximum I handled was 3 at a time) They were housed in a big pen and were handled often, and I even took them home at night. They were well cared for and more importantly properly vetted, but I could just not deal with all the absurd complaints. People just do not like seeing animals in cages. I did a good tropical fish business, did a few birds, but did not get into reptiles. I could just not please everyone.....but we have managed to stay in business since 1962 even though each year seems to get harder, especially here in South Florida.

Do you know we actually got a plant that was dying which was in a pot for 8 years and the owner had been gone all summer up north. Brought it back and wanted it replaced. Come on even a Lexus does not come with an 8 year replacement guarantee. We did repot it for her at no charge. But come on people, that is above and beyond. This type of behavior happens everyday down here and it definitely works on you. I try to stay out of sales, as some day I may mouth off and be sorry afterwards.

I thought nurserymen were the lowest on the evolutionary scale, but reptile dealers must be running a close second. Bruce P

 

[critical bill]

As for his business ethics, I don't know, nor is it my business.

If he were conducting business out of my facility - as well as promoting my business through his business website - I'd be very concerned about his business ethics. To me, the greatest predictor of future behavior is to simply look at past behavior. If you really new him, you would know what you could expect.

To be perfectly honest with you, I think you are well aware of who and what you are dealing with (which has me questioning your ethics) but are more concerned with collecting a rent check.

I'm not trying to be rude or insulting to you - just open and honest with my feelings and opinion on the matter.

 

[critical bill]

*typo - new - knew.

 

[deborahbroadus]

I agree totally, Bill.

Someone might want to look up the Child Labor laws.

 

[Get Sum]

Idea of the year

Here's one for all of you: Let's invite all of the BOI bashers that have tradionally only mocked and ridiculed people from the safty of their home computer to one of the Large Breeder expos like Daytona. There are only a few of you out there that seem to consistantly jump on every (Bad guy Thread) adding at many times your worthless two cents. I don't need to mention any names, you know who you are. We will also invite all of those that you have been previously bashed, some for good reason, some just because you felt you needed to post something. We can rent out one of the Ball rooms at the Hilton and charge addmission of $20.00 for spectators to attend. Hell, I bet we could raise more money then the annual silent auction. This will give all of you the opportunity to come out of your dark holes and speak your mind freely in person, we could even hire a bouncer or two so everyone would have ample time to speak their mind before the crowd got unleashed. Sounds like a good ole time to me! Now, ask yourselves that one important question: Would you have the balls to show up? If so -Great, If not, I think you all need to think a little harder prior to submitting your next post like: Hmmm, (Have I actually been personally affected by this guy/gal).

 

[TropicalWorld]

I have only been in business since 1962, so this rent check that I am apparently so concerned about will really break me without it! DID NOT THINK I WOULD GET PERSONALLY ATTACKED BY TRYING TO HONESTLY POST A REPLY. Guess pets are like their owners and is the reason I have 9 corgies, 2 cats, numerous at large wood ducks , geese and ornamental bantams , and don't own one snake. As for right now I see healthy animals throughout, and nice shipments going out daily except toward the weekends, same as we do with plants during the warmer months. All these posts, (I have not read all of them yet) seem to lead to nowhere and none that I have read so far would stand up in court. ) I do however reserve the right to change my mind after reading them all.



I have a suggestion. Why dont you buyers demand a photo of the product before shipment. I see someone visiting and buying from the facility and still complaining. Guess Nick did not realize the guy is blind, and took advantage. Wow this reptile business is cut throat. Think lots of entertainment are in store for me as I read these opinions.

But for now I feel this facility will bring in a complete set of different clientele(HOPEFULLY SOME GOOD ONES) to my business and time will only tell if Nick is really guilty of all these allegations.

 

[deborahbroadus]

I have only been in business since 1962, so this rent check that I am apparently so concerned about will really break me without it! DID NOT THINK I WOULD GET PERSONALLY ATTACKED BY TRYING TO HONESTLY POST A REPLY. Guess pets are like their owners and is the reason I have 9 corgies, 2 cats, numerous at large wood ducks , geese and ornamental bantams , and don't own one snake. As for right now I see healthy animals throughout, and nice shipments going out daily except toward the weekends, same as we do with plants during the warmer months. All these posts, (I have not read all of them yet) seem to lead to nowhere and none that I have read so far would stand up in court. ) I do however reserve the right to change my mind after reading them all.



I have a suggestion. Why dont you buyers demand a photo of the product before shipment. I see someone visiting and buying from the facility and still complaining. Guess Nick did not realize the guy is blind, and took advantage. Wow this reptile business is cut throat. Think lots of entertainment are in store for me as I read these opinions.

But for now I feel this facility will bring in a complete set of different clientele(HOPEFULLY SOME GOOD ONES) to my business and time will only tell if Nick is really guilty of all these allegations.

Thanks for weighting in. You were originally contacted out of concern that your store front image may have been used fraudently.

Thanks for clearing that up. This site has often been the tool that has caught others using pictures fraudently to scam others.

The allegation is from a 15 year old boy that says he worked for Nick and was not paid appropriately. Nick stated above that the boy never worked for him. Others have weighted in with what they know and we are hoping that once all the facts come to light, that the situation will be resolved. This is where public opinion has a lot of weight.

While it is true that the majority of us may not have any dealings with Nick, we do have an interest in not having scammers and unethical Herp dealers running free and ruining the trust of the general consumer.

Letting such people free without consequence can effectively ruin the business for us all. I like to refer to this place as the BBB of the Reptile Community. People can find here dealings within the herp community be they good or bad.

Some of us are more blunt, but nonetheless as effective as getting to the truth of a matter as those that are more PC.

The heart of the matter is that if a 15 year old comes for assistance in resolving a matter on a public forum that is frequented by most of the herping community and a well-known breeder calls the child a liar..and other sources support the child's story...is this person that called the child a liar a good businessman, is he an ethical businessman, would I want his name associated with mine, would I buy from him?

The way the "Businessman" resolves the issue will determine the answers to the above questions.

 

[Dennis Hultman]

I know you all have had plenty to say about Nick in the past, you have shared your comments and the reptile community is aware so leave it alone.

-Jay

It's not "we all". It's individual buyers that posted their experiences which haven't been addressed.

I would suggest you also keep it on topic. If you want to address individual posters and disagree with them on the topic do so but no more of this BOI poster bashing or the site in general.

Everyone shut up? I don't think so. Nick has a long track record. Here is a few if you like to comment.

Nick posted an add for common snappers wanted. We had a mexican common snapper that was on his list of animals that he wanted. We sent him pictures of the animal and he agreed to send us an adult male red footed tortoise, male giant blazing blizzard, 2 unsexed giant baby blazing blizzards, 1.3 captive bred tokay geckoes. We asked for pictures and paperwork to prove they were giants and never recieved any. We agreed to ship the same day. The carrier that we used to send out the snapper lost the package which was no fault of each of ours but he didn't send out until he got the package. We were worried about the animal since the hold up of the animal and he never let us know it got there ok until several days later. He didn't ship out the same day. He shipped out a baby redfoot. The baby blizzards turned out to be a leucistic and we have yet to find out if it really is a giant or not. He used references that have no clue who he is. He never sent out our tokays. He shipped out two days instead of overnight. He never gave us a tracking number. He shipped out a lot later then he said he would. He doesn't return calls or e-mails. He even hung up on us when we finally got in touch with us. He claimed to be a certified Fed-Ex shipper which he is not. He basically went out of his way to screw us over it seemed. I would never do business with him again. The person he used as a reference was so angry that they asked for his contact information and chewed him out for using his name to screw people over. I would never do business with him again and if I am ever in Florida I would love to pay him a visit.
Lary Vongsavanh

A few months ago they had an ad on kingsnake for a 9-10 ft male lavender albino retic for $1000 shipped. The animals was pretty much exactly what we were looking for at the time so we contacted them to inquire about the animal. After asking a few questions via email we were satisfied and went ahead and called and orded him and set up shipping for the next Monday. We had requested that the animal be shipped FedEx overnight as this is who we use. Everything during the phone conversations was fine and he even said the he would ship priority overnight. On Monday he called to confirm our shipping address and said he would call back shortly with a tracking number and to confirm the shipment. We waited to hear from him again, but he never called back with the shipping info. Not being overly concerned we didn't try to call back that day and figured that he just forgot and everything was still on for the next mornings delivery. The following day we were up early expecting the package to arrive before 10:30 being that it was supposedly shipped priority. 10:30 passed with no package and we assumed that either FedEx was late or he shipped standard overnight instead, which was no big deal. That afternoon we started to get a little worried so we called to try and get the tracking number. The person that picked up said that he had just left for lunch and to call back shortly, so we waited an hour or so and tried again. Calling for the second time we got pretty much the same response that we had just missed him, but we inquired about the shipment anyway and were told that the package was defiantly shipped the night before. By 6:00 that evening no package arrived and we assumed that FedEx had been at fault. Being that late in the day we decided to call FedEx first thing the next morning to inquire.

The next morning we called FedEx and told them that we had a package coming from us that should of been delivered the previous day. We gave them our address and they preceded to look up any packages that were headed our way. The lady on the phone said that their was no overnight shipments to us but their was one 2 Day shipment. We asked for the origin of that package and sure enough it was our albino due to arrive that day by 3:00. By this time we were extremely upset that we had been lied too and only hoped that the animal was ok. That afternoon around 2:00 the package finally arrived and we held our breath opening the box. Lucky the retic was alive but right off the bat we noticed that he had a fairly large population of mites on him and more disturbing a tick on his neck about the size of a pencil eraser.

Mites do suck but the fact that their was a large tick on him that had obviously been on him for awhile and was easily noticeable really angered us, not to mention he shipped 2 Day after telling us he would ship priority overnight and never calling us back after trying to contact him. We did the math and he saved about $25 sending it 2 Day instead of priority overnight. We would never send any reptile 2 Day, but this was a $1000 dollar animal. Bottom line this guy has no regard for the animals he's selling and is someone we certainly will not deal with again.

Sorry for the long post, below is a picture of the shipping label showing the 2 Day shipping method.

hello my name is Pete martinez and i was also ripped off by nick at darkforest reptiles aswell about 2 months ago i sent him 2 female retics i was trading for a boa and he failed to ship the boa to me and i lost out on 2 snakes he refused to answer calls aswell he is a thief and i also offer a warning to those thinking of dealing with him

I have a friend who just bought a pair of his Het CalicoX 100% het albino animals on Kingsnake, and was totally disappointed. Not only was the female not the one he sent pics of, but he said that they had probably never eaten since they were so small, and from what I saw of them they had probably not even had their first shed when they were shipped. He has since sent them back, and now cannot get a hold of him probably due to the hurricane, but no refund has been given yet. He can reach him when he calls from his girlfriends phone, but when he calls from his phone, he(Nick) will not answer.

This is just what I know based on a deal a friend of mine did with him. I have seen the animals, and know the story, but these are not my animals.

Jason Trott

Nick posted an add for common snappers wanted. We had a mexican common snapper that was on his list of animals that he wanted. We sent him pictures of the animal and he agreed to send us an adult male red footed tortoise, male giant blazing blizzard, 2 unsexed giant baby blazing blizzards, 1.3 captive bred tokay geckoes. We asked for pictures and paperwork to prove they were giants and never recieved any. We agreed to ship the same day. The carrier that we used to send out the snapper lost the package which was no fault of each of ours but he didn't send out until he got the package. We were worried about the animal since the hold up of the animal and he never let us know it got there ok until several days later. He didn't ship out the same day. He shipped out a baby redfoot. The baby blizzards turned out to be a leucistic and we have yet to find out if it really is a giant or not. He used references that have no clue who he is. He never sent out our tokays. He shipped out two days instead of overnight. He never gave us a tracking number. He shipped out a lot later then he said he would. He doesn't return calls or e-mails. He even hung up on us when we finally got in touch with us. He claimed to be a certified Fed-Ex shipper which he is not. He basically went out of his way to screw us over it seemed. I would never do business with him again. The person he used as a reference was so angry that they asked for his contact information and chewed him out for using his name to screw people over. I would never do business with him again and if I am ever in Florida I would love to pay him a visit.
Lary Vongsavanh

A few months ago they had an ad on kingsnake for a 9-10 ft male lavender albino retic for $1000 shipped. The animals was pretty much exactly what we were looking for at the time so we contacted them to inquire about the animal. After asking a few questions via email we were satisfied and went ahead and called and orded him and set up shipping for the next Monday. We had requested that the animal be shipped FedEx overnight as this is who we use. Everything during the phone conversations was fine and he even said the he would ship priority overnight. On Monday he called to confirm our shipping address and said he would call back shortly with a tracking number and to confirm the shipment. We waited to hear from him again, but he never called back with the shipping info. Not being overly concerned we didn't try to call back that day and figured that he just forgot and everything was still on for the next mornings delivery. The following day we were up early expecting the package to arrive before 10:30 being that it was supposedly shipped priority. 10:30 passed with no package and we assumed that either FedEx was late or he shipped standard overnight instead, which was no big deal. That afternoon we started to get a little worried so we called to try and get the tracking number. The person that picked up said that he had just left for lunch and to call back shortly, so we waited an hour or so and tried again. Calling for the second time we got pretty much the same response that we had just missed him, but we inquired about the shipment anyway and were told that the package was defiantly shipped the night before. By 6:00 that evening no package arrived and we assumed that FedEx had been at fault. Being that late in the day we decided to call FedEx first thing the next morning to inquire.

The next morning we called FedEx and told them that we had a package coming from us that should of been delivered the previous day. We gave them our address and they preceded to look up any packages that were headed our way. The lady on the phone said that their was no overnight shipments to us but their was one 2 Day shipment. We asked for the origin of that package and sure enough it was our albino due to arrive that day by 3:00. By this time we were extremely upset that we had been lied too and only hoped that the animal was ok. That afternoon around 2:00 the package finally arrived and we held our breath opening the box. Lucky the retic was alive but right off the bat we noticed that he had a fairly large population of mites on him and more disturbing a tick on his neck about the size of a pencil eraser.

Mites do suck but the fact that their was a large tick on him that had obviously been on him for awhile and was easily noticeable really angered us, not to mention he shipped 2 Day after telling us he would ship priority overnight and never calling us back after trying to contact him. We did the math and he saved about $25 sending it 2 Day instead of priority overnight. We would never send any reptile 2 Day, but this was a $1000 dollar animal. Bottom line this guy has no regard for the animals he's selling and is someone we certainly will not deal with again.

Sorry for the long post, below is a picture of the shipping label showing the 2 Day shipping method.

I just found some of the same problems posted in RepticZone forums. Apparently some of the members there got hosed by Nick as well. Don't buy from this guy. I can't imagine that the results will be pretty.

Nick is the biggest jerk you'll ever meet. He is a liar and a crook. Do NOT buy anything from him ever! I'll bet my life you'll regret it!

Dark Forest Reptiles is an absolutely awful and abysmal establishment at best. An absolute torture to do business with. Aside from their negligent photos of Pacman frogs eating dead and bloated pacman frogs (obvious victimes of redleg) on their website, they take even less care in shipping live animals. I ordered a Budgett's frog from them and it arrived in an uncooled and lacklusterly packaged box. No significant padding was used to secure the flailing deli cup, no ice packs, nothing. Mind you, this was from Florida to Arizona, the hottest state in the union. The package also came at 3pm, not 10:30am as they promised, they knew damn well the frog wasn't shipped next day prioriry, rather basic next day, allowing the fragile creature to boil to death. I tried countless times to get tracking numbers and to simply contact someone in regards to my rights as their customer, and Nick, the owner, would just ignore me and say he'd call me back or send me an email, then mysteriously vanish for the rest of the day every time I called back... Needless to say I never got a response. It was like pulling teeth just to get some common courtesy out of these clowns.
When I finally got in touch, he RUDELY (as if I should feel guilty about complaining about his halfassed business ethics and disgusting packaging) said he'd send a replacement frog....and never did, rather he refunded my money without telling me and lead my on a wild goose chase waiting for a frog that never came.

I highly suggest you NEVER buy from Dark Forest Reptiles. I know I'm not the only person to have had negative experiences with them, and I surely wouldn't wish it upon anyone. The biggest shame is that so many animals have to be subjected to such atrocious treatment....I mean no precautions where taken in the shipping of this poor, living, breathing animal. A true pity.

Good riddance to bad rubbish!

I ordered a male green Anaconda from these jokers, and it was the worst experience. He was shipped out on Mon. July 23, and he was supposed to be delivered the next day before 7:00pm. Well, on Tues. I entered my tracking number and the website said he was scheduled to arrive 2nd day air!! I called Nick, and he looked on the Fed-Ex website and saw that he was being shipped second day air. He told me he would make a call and call me RIGHT back. Well, I waited for at least an hour, and no call. I called him back again, and he said he was waiting for a call back, but that they said a lot of the time the computer info. is inaccurate. He said he would still arrive by 7opm. I eventually called Fed-Ex back and it was apparent that he wasn't getting here until Wed. sometime. I was pretty mad by this time, and called back and had to talk to a guy (Brian) I think. He told me Nick had left for the day. I voiced my concern about the snake, because the weather has been soo hot here. He assured me that snakes can withstand temps. of 150 degrees and that he would be fine. Okay, so there isn't a living animal, except for certain forms of bacteria that can take that temp. for any length of time. He claimed neither he or Nick shipped the animal 2nd day air, and that the error was made by Fed-Ex. I then asked if I would get my money back if the animal arrived dead. He said they don't give cash back, and that they would get me another snake. I told him I didn't want another snake, and that if he was dead, I didn't want to do business with them. He then told me to not get irate with him. As you can see, this was going nowhere. He kept talking over me, and I couldn't get a word in anywhere. He gave me alot of false information. I hung up on him, and prayed my snake would make it here alive. He arrived today, Wed. and he's okay. Apart from being mad because he's in shed, he looks like he's in pretty good shape. I would definitely not do business with these losers again. I hope he really is a male, because I didn't want a female. Also, I think they owe me something, because 2nd day air doesn't cost as much. I paid $300 for this boy. Does anyone think I should gripe at Nick further? I really don't want to talk to anyone there again, but this experience has made me mad! They are not trustworthy, so please avoid them if you can. -Amy

FWC cites exotic-pet shop owner; seizes reptiles

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) investigators took action against "Dark Forest Reptiles," an exotic-pet store in Boynton Beach, and cited the owner.

Nickolas Nistico, DOB 10/15/82, of Boynton Beach, was charged with three violations: possessing an American alligator without a permit, possessing reptiles of concern without a permit and exhibiting and selling without a permit. Mr. Nistico also received a warning for improper housing of an American alligator.

On Aug. 6, FWC investigators attempted to inspect Nistico’s store but found the Boynton Beach store vacated. Later, they found the store at another location, in Delray Beach.

Officers found the store open for business and Nistico exhibiting reptiles with an expired permit at an unpermitted location.

Nistico was in possession of a 3-foot alligator, which was caged in a manner giving the public easy access. He also was exhibiting a reticulated python without a permit.

FWC officers seized both reptiles.

Under the Wildlife Violator Compact, Nistico could face enhanced penalties, because he has been convicted of wildlife law violations in the past. Penalties could include a maximum $1,000 fine and a year in jail for each violation.

sorry about my 2 different post i have a brother named justin who used my account however im the one that posted on darkforest reptiles an nick nistico i have tried contacting nick by phone an by email he ignores my emails an phone calls as well this is no jok i bought a crocodile monitor from him that he basically lied about having an never sent me he then advertsied this same animal 2 weeks later for sale on kingsnake.com monitor classifieds thats pretty much the story
best regaurds Jason willand

I Turned Nick Nistico into kingsnake they sent me a mail order Fraud forum i filled out i also spoke with Ray Sr at strictly reptiles an ray told me to shoot him an email an said he might be able to do somthin about what nick did to me what that was i will never know however if i ever see Nick nistico face to face all beat the stuffing right outa him for what that scumbag did to me hes a miserable Excuse for a Human Life an he doesint deserve to be in the Herp community period i basically sent him 2 western union money orders one for 500.00 an the other for 75.00 once he cashed both money orders he then told me he shipped out the crocodile monitor an i would recieve it within 2 days which would have been a wednesday well wednesday came around i called him up an he told me that brian his buddy that works at dark Forest reptiles was Bit by a 7ft croc monitor they also had on hand in the store at that time an that they were moving the 7ft croc he claimed the 7ft croc monitor bit brian through the bag it was in an that brian had to go to the hospital so he said he would ship it out the following monday the crocodile monitor he had gotton for me was 36inches from tip of the snout to tip of the tail. thats the lie he was telling me then monday came around i couldint get ahold of him until wednesday then wednesday he told me he finally shipped it out an it would be arriving at my house friday before 3:00 pm friday came around an there was never a delivery i called the scumbag back up on the phone 2 days Later an he told me there was a mistake on the shipping so he Claimed that it showed back up at his shop an he would reship it so anyway he supposedly reshipped it the following wednesday an told me the same story the Following wednesday he told me the first time that it would be Reshipped TO my house via fed ex before 3:00 never showed up once again pretty much at that point i figured out that i was scammed by this Lowlife i called better business buroe i also turned him into the attorney generals office an the fish an game wild life thats about all i can do or take nick to small claims court however that would cost too much money to do

Need more? It is the same on many sites. More and more complaints.

 

[Dennis Hultman]

I am the owner of Tropical World and was notified about the picture of our place. We rent a greenhouse to Nick, as well as office space. We have watched him develop his web site, but more importantly his facility. I am impressed and for the first time somewhat interested in reptiles and amphibians. They are housed in "Monster Size" immaculate facilites with plants and natural surroundings. Not in shoe boxes like at pet stores. So far I think he has done an excellent, excellent job, of creating habitat conducive to a healthy animal. He has my permission to photograph anything at the facility and use it in his website.

He has UPS pickup everyday and most go out Next day air. He has arranged for last pick up late in the evening and boxes are open until the last thing and are under air conditioning. He may also have an early pick up for some shipments, but I don't get involved.

As for his business ethics, I don't know, nor is it my business. I don't think he would be investing the amount of money he is investing and not be intending to stay in business, and that means treating customers ok. I do know that I would buy from him as his animals have are healthy as I never see any sickly. Again they are housed humanely and I have never seen anything better. Most are in trees surrounded by lucite enclosures many about 6 to 8 feet square. He even has a mist system for some varieties

I do know when I ran a petshop garden center combination many years ago, I gave up selling puppies, (maximum I handled was 3 at a time) They were housed in a big pen and were handled often, and I even took them home at night. They were well cared for and more importantly properly vetted, but I could just not deal with all the absurd complaints. People just do not like seeing animals in cages. I did a good tropical fish business, did a few birds, but did not get into reptiles. I could just not please everyone.....but we have managed to stay in business since 1962 even though each year seems to get harder, especially here in South Florida.

Do you know we actually got a plant that was dying which was in a pot for 8 years and the owner had been gone all summer up north. Brought it back and wanted it replaced. Come on even a Lexus does not come with an 8 year replacement guarantee. We did repot it for her at no charge. But come on people, that is above and beyond. This type of behavior happens everyday down here and it definitely works on you. I try to stay out of sales, as some day I may mouth off and be sorry afterwards.

I thought nurserymen were the lowest on the evolutionary scale, but reptile dealers must be running a close second. Bruce P

Yeah well, if your a nurseryman that takes peoples hard earned money then don't give your customers what they paid for maybe you can compare yourself to Nick.

 

[critical bill]

I have only been in business since 1962, so this rent check that I am apparently so concerned about will really break me without it! DID NOT THINK I WOULD GET PERSONALLY ATTACKED BY TRYING TO HONESTLY POST A REPLY.

I did not attack you. I'm just trying to understand why you would be happy about possibly subjecting yourself and your good business name to things like this:
--------------------------------
http://www.floridaconservation.org/whatsnew/08/south/News_08_S_DarkForest.htm

FWC cites exotic-pet shop owner; seizes reptiles

August 15, 2008
Contact: Gabriella B. Ferraro, 772-215-9459

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) investigators took action against “Dark Forest Reptiles,” an exotic-pet store in Boynton Beach, and cited the owner.

Nickolas Nistico, DOB 10/15/82, of Boynton Beach, was charged with three violations: possessing an American alligator without a permit, possessing reptiles of concern without a permit and exhibiting and selling without a permit. Mr. Nistico also received a warning for improper housing of an American alligator.

On Aug. 6, FWC investigators attempted to inspect Nistico’s store but found the Boynton Beach store vacated. Later, they found the store at another location, in Delray Beach.

Officers found the store open for business and Nistico exhibiting reptiles with an expired permit at an unpermitted location.

Nistico was in possession of a 3-foot alligator, which was caged in a manner giving the public easy access. He also was exhibiting a reticulated python without a permit.

FWC officers seized both reptiles.

Under the Wildlife Violator Compact, Nistico could face enhanced penalties, because he has been convicted of wildlife law violations in the past. Penalties could include a maximum $1,000 fine and a year in jail for each violation.
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Maybe that's the sort of heat you want around you but I cant think of sensible business man that would. If Nick is the sort of business man that you want your business to be associated with then I cant see were you could fault me for saying I question your ethics after reading the above. Hard link is attached so you don't think I'm cut throat that's making stuff up.

And please, spare me the... "everyone can change" crapola.

Thanks and Good Luck to you - I think you're going to need it.

 

[HoldThePickle]

I'm glad to see Tropical World comment on this situation. Once it came to light that Nick is using your facility, I'm sure alot of people (besides me) have contacting you to tell you. In all honesty, the reason people are informing you is because they think you should know. We, who have been in the hobby and have seen Nick's poor practices and legal issues, wanted to warn you about the type of person you're conducting business with. One or two "whacko" customers is a fact of life in any business, but when there are 30 or 40 people posting their poor experiences on the assorted forums, that's different. Maybe it's not the customer in this case. But I will say, if you are happy with things thus far and you have no worries, then it should be dropped. Being that you seem to a be a honest and fair guy, I just worry for your sake. And pleasek do read through the threads though, I sent several to you. Give special attention to Nick's responses too.
I, personally, have never bought anything from Nick so you'll never see anywhere that I claim "his animals are garbage and not being taken care of." The dealings I've had with Nick started when I emailed him about a concern for some baby pacman frogs he was feeding poisonous newts too pictured on one of his ads. It was an honest concern, and he replied with "Go F*ck Yourself". Those were the first words ever said to me from Nick. The following emails from him added things like "You probably live in your mom's basment." yadda yadda, "get a life".etc How do you defend that? How do you defend him making and posting videos insulting the wife of one of his critics? This reptile business/hobby isn't "cut throat" really... we just like to buy from GOOD honest vendors. Obviously you weren't too happy about that woman you repotted the plant for.... but do you go on youtube and make retarded videos insulting her???? No, I wouldn't imagine so. Then ask yourself "who the hell would?"
Lastly, Get Sum, I have no idea what you're talking about with that ball room business. If you're trying to imply that people that nay-say Nick, or anyone else for that matter, are "hiding" in their "dark holes" and only posting on here because they're afraid of Nick's, or your, wrath....then I'm really at a loss for words. I assume you're under the impression that we're all 14 year old kids that are just "flaming" people. From what I see on here, the average age group is about 23 to 40 somethings. Why do I not confront Nick face to face??? Because I freaking live in PA. I'm not going to hop a flight just to confront someone. If I lived in Fl, you bet your ass I would. That's like saying "why doesn't Nick fly around the country to deal with his critics?" This is a thread on a forum that is MADE to review people. Read a "good guy" thread, they are very informative and praise a good dealer, just as the "Bad Guy" threads condemn a bad dealer. If you disagree with a good or bad review, by all means post a reply to it. All of our opinions are equal and the reader must take them for what their worth.

 

[HoldThePickle]

Maybe the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission are just 'whacko' customers too?

 

[TropicalWorld]

Yeah well, if your a nurseryman that takes peoples hard earned money then don't give your customers what they paid for maybe you can compare yourself to Nick.

I swore I was not going to waste my time on this site, but can you read? This person bought the plant 8 "eight" years ago! She had it in a pot. She left for up north all summer and then came back. Not even Home
Depot would offer to do what we did. We have managed to keep the doors open by individually dealing with customers, even unreasonable ones. No one guarantees a living thing 8 years, or is "stupid" enough to do what we do. Sir if I were in this for the money I would not be in the nursery business. and by the way the plant cost $6.99 so even if I only repotted it and not replaced it, she surely got her monies worth. She probably went home and bragged about how she scammed the businessman. Much the same as this site has so far treated me, and probably countless others.

Most of this chatter on this site is what is called buyer's remorse. People don't stay in business long without repeat business. Time will tell.


Obviously you have never run or operated a business.

 

[Get Sum]

Mr. Morris, A question for you sir, "Do you enjoy holding pickles or do you play with them as well?" First off, I originally tried to state some facts to help clear up about 14 pages of BS on this thread. Second, I am not supporting Nick in any of my post, He's my friend but that does not mean I agree with his business tactics 100% of the time. Regarding Josh, All I know is that (Yes) he worked for Dark Forest Reptiles for months. I am unaware of the agreement he had with Nick regarding compensation. If Nick agreed to pay him a certain amount and has failed to do so then shame on him (But that needs to be taken up with Josh, Josh's father and Nick and possibly quick claims court) not a group of outsiders that are unaware of the facts pertaining to the situation. If someone owed my son money, Trust me-They would pay up quick! Everyone in Life eventually gets what they deserve in the long run. I understand the purpose of the BOI, however I do not agree when people that have no interest at all of a certain situation get involved and post a negative thread. Example: I asked you directly if you get enjoyment out of holding pickles. Now you have ever right to come back at me directly if you choose. However, It would not be right for Critical Bill to comment about you playing with pickles unless it was his pickle you were playing with. Right? Maybe that was a bad example, but I'm sure you get the point.

 

[HoldThePickle]

Mr. Morris, A question for you sir, "Do you enjoy holding pickles or do you play with them as well?" First off, I originally tried to state some facts to help clear up about 14 pages of BS on this thread. Second, I am not supporting Nick in any of my post, He's my friend but that does not mean I agree with his business tactics 100% of the time. Regarding Josh, All I know is that (Yes) he worked for Dark Forest Reptiles for months. I am unaware of the agreement he had with Nick regarding compensation. If Nick agreed to pay him a certain amount and has failed to do so then shame on him (But that needs to be taken up with Josh, Josh's father and Nick and possibly quick claims court) not a group of outsiders that are unaware of the facts pertaining to the situation. If someone owed my son money, Trust me-They would pay up quick! Everyone in Life eventually gets what they deserve in the long run. I understand the purpose of the BOI, however I do not agree when people that have no interest at all of a certain situation get involved and post a negative thread. Example: I asked you directly if you get enjoyment out of holding pickles. Now you have ever right to come back at me directly if you choose. However, It would not be right for Critical Bill to comment about you playing with pickles unless it was his pickle you were playing with. Right? Maybe that was a bad example, but I'm sure you get the point.

Haha! I will give you credit, you're the first person to get my user name. It's kind of a double entendre. But it's meant to be more of a statement FROM me TO someone else, hence the name isn't "IHoldThePickle." It's more suited to a situation where as ,say, Mrs. Weinrich was grilling a burger for me and I said "Hold the pickle!"...... could mean 1 of two very different things.

But seriously, I mistook your point before then. I didn't know you were referring to the Josh and Nick situation and other people's involvement. I agree, aside from just asking for some 'proof' or records, other people shouldn't weigh in really, hence I haven't. All of my comments we're basically directed at Nick's general douche-bagness. All I will speak of is things he's said/done directly to me OR his illegal shit that's public matter, especially things related to our hobby. I just didn't get the ball room thing. To me, it seemed like you were being a hard ass and, in nut shell, saying "why don't you guys come say it to my face" type of thing. Sorry if I misunderstood.

And to answer your original question, I enjoy playing with them as well.

Also, Bruce (Tropical World)... I'm not sure, but I think Dennis meant if you screw people out of money with out providing what you say you will, LIKE nick... then you can compare to him. Implying that YOU don't, but thats when he does. Just the way I took it when I read it.

 

[TropicalWorld]

maybe so

Maybe the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission are just 'whacko' customers too?

Maybe so. Many years ago I was cited and threatened with a felony offense by these guys for publicly displaying 2 parrots without a $5.00 license. Cost me $1500 to clear it up. How many outdoor restaurants, rest homes, nurseries, and countless other businesses in Florida are housing birds without this obscurely known license. Are they all evil felons?

If these people were doing their job, we would not be overrun with escaped exotics, both plant and animal.

Many acres of woodlands containing orchids which are on the Endangered Species List and countless other species, have been turned into development sites, apparently with Fish and Wildlife's blessing. It is fine for bulldozers to run over Golpher tortise nests as long as the developer has paid big bucks to remove what tortises they can find, but let a person be caught with one.

On the other hand they have a big job to do and we would probably be worse off without them. Just wanted to make people aware that all is not what it seems.

I think all of us here basically want some nature left on this planet. Just hope there is something left on Earth in the next century besides beans, rice, and Homo sapiens.