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John Mendoza Profile
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The Promised eBay Negative Feedback Post


Well, this new year has not started well for me. Two things have happened, one of which I promised to detail here and this is the post. The other occurrence I will touch on briefly first.

I'm beginning to think that forums that offer "For Sale" sections should be regulated in some manner. Over a year ago, on the Magic Cafe site, I was taken to the tune of $500.00 by one Sean Adl in England. He had sold a couple items and the transactions were successful and then I guess he just decided to take advantage of the buying market and scam me on the third transaction. A few months ago, a buyer was almost taken for $1600 for a Gift of Time. He did recoup his refund, but only after "pulling teeth," and contacting the parents of the seller. Well, now one Kevin Bowman, Cafe ID silverzero, has chosen to join the despicable crowd. I bought a Chance Wolf item from his ad on the Magic Cafe Site for $400.00. That was on December 6th. Since he did not take Paypal, I sent him a check and it was cashed and cleared some time ago. After waiting past the Holiday Season to give him the benefit of the doubt that the shipping industry might be a little behind at that time, I emailed him asking for a tracking number. A couple days later, I got a reply advising me "not to worry," and that he would send tracking information as soon as he could. I don't know what he was doing sitting at a computer that he did not have it available to him then? Anyway, after three days of waiting that "as soon as he could" time, I emailed him again. No response. So, then I telephoned the number he gave me and got his voice mail greeting. I left my number but, of course, no return call and no further communication. So, I will now go the legal route. It is such a pain and an inconvenience, but I won't let this go. Enough is enough with these guys.

I know this will be an unpopular thought, but after having considered the past occurrences to me and several others, I really think forums like the Magic Cafe should not be allowed to offer "For Sale" sections. Without some type of policing, the forums are giving the scammers a place to flourish and literally handing them a waiting line of unknowing victims. If they won't police themselves and at least aid their members in recovering losses from scams, then they should be removed entirely. The Genii Forum has taken a step in the right direction; requiring that sellers post personal information, phone number, address, etc. so the potential buyer can verify it before sending his money. That doesn't guarantee that a scam won't happen, but it is a step in the right direction. eBay and Paypal both assist the scammed buyer in recouping his loss or a good part of it. The Magic Cafe should do something to protect its members as the scams are beginning to happen much too often.

Okay, on to the details regarding my other bad thing that started my year. I have spent seven years really working hard to be fair with everyone and to provide the fastest shipping and fastest paying on eBay. I have enjoyed over 5700 actual positive posts (1650 scored posts,) and I started the year by receiving my first negative! And, as I suspected would happen some time, it would come from a seller or buyer who was in the wrong, had to resolve the wrong, and then just turned vindictive and left nasty feedback as "revenge." It happened.

Here's the details of the transaction. In November, I bought a Finger Chopper from an eBay ad. As usual, I paid immediately. I received the item. If you want to view the actual ad, you can Search By Item Number to 170047960257. You will need to check it soon as I think it will be available for viewing only until February 8th, as they are removed after 90 days. I received the item and it was horrible. Despite the claim of "...great quality and beauty..." in her ad, the item was a home made piece of junk.

Someone had purchased a very cheap aluminum finger chopper, glued it to a wooden block base taken from some other trick and then painted the chopper. The paint job was so bad that it looked like I did it and that is not good. Her ad was accurate when it said the photo did not do the prop justice, but in exactly the opposite of what her statement intended. The photo made the prop look 100 times better than it was. You couldn't see the blobs of dripped paint and the crude way the chopper was affixed to the base. And, finally, the thing did not work.

Now, she could claim it worked just fine when she shipped it (not likely,) but consider also that it was sent in a crushed box and she put two wads of newspaper in with it. No bubble wrap, no protection, the item rattled about loosely in the box.

By the way, the seller's eBay ID is tavita3, so you can be aware. Anyway, I emailed her advising that I wanted to return it since her ad clearly states "Seller Accepts Returns" and "3 Day Money Back." I got a nasty email back telling me I would have to pay a "restocking fee" and the eBay fees and all sorts of nonsense and that my refund would amount to about $24.00, of the $40.00 I spent. I then emailed her telling her that I really didn't care that it was for less, I didn't want to keep this homemade piece for even that amount, so I would return it. I did.

I waited and waited. No refund. So, I emailed asking where it was. Again, another nasty email now telling me it was not returned in the same condition that it was sent and that she would not send the refund until I left positive feedback! I'll write my thoughts on feedback in another post sometime in the future.

I got back with her and advised her I would not leave feedback as the transaction was not completed. On receiving my agreed to $24 refund, I would be happy to do so. Another nasty email followed but I finally did get my refund a few days later. Perhaps an hour after the Paypal transmission of the refund, I got an email telling me I was not a man of my word because I hadn't left feedback. Unbelievable, it was one hour later! So, I left honest feedback. I did NOT recommend her, but rather simply stated, "Transaction satisfactorily concluded. Thank you." I thought the issue was done and finished. Then a couple days ago, I get on eBay and find that she left me negative feedback, nearly two months later!

I responded suggesting that people compare our feedbacks and judge for themselves. I then contacted eBay asking what I could do. They advised me to suggest she withdraw it as that's the only way it can be removed. I asked her to do so. She sent me another nasty email, so I advised her that she should do so and this issue could end amicably with no hard feelings, otherwise, I would be compelled to defend my eBay reputation on a website forum. Instead of responding, she left followup feeback claiming I threatened her. It was not a threat; it was a simple statement of fact; I would not let my eBay reputation get tarnished and let it go unanswered or unexplained. So, that's what I've done here.

Fortunately, I don't think this woman sells much magic on eBay, so most of you will never encounter her. I know I will never do business with her again and will urge anyone who asks me to do the same and avoid her.

As I stated in my eBay ad that announced this post, you can respond to this post if you wish, but this was really not intended to be a debate or start a controversy of any kind. It was intended as a simple statement of the facts of the issue and as a warning to buyers on forums and both buyers and sellers on eBay to be very careful.

Thanks for listening.
1/7/2007, 11:11 am Link to this post Send Email to John Mendoza   Send PM to John Mendoza
 
Larry Barnowsky Profile
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Re: The Promised eBay Negative Feedback Post


Hi John,
I thought it was a miracle you avoided a negative post for all these years. But then your world collided with that of a toxic individual who injected her venom into your life. It was bound to happen. The fact that you got negative feedback by paying on time and asking for a legitimately earned refund shows how unfair the transaction turned out. The restocking fee. Hmm. I guess it costs the merchant a lot to place a piece of trash back on a shelf.

I'm sure in the past you could have left a lot of negative feedback for purchases as well as sales and I know you rarely did that.

In my mind, and I'm sure others will agree, your feedback will always be 100%.

Larry Barnowsky
1/7/2007, 5:42 pm Link to this post Send Email to Larry Barnowsky   Send PM to Larry Barnowsky
 
Tavita Profile
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Re: The Promised eBay Negative Feedback Post


Amazing how one can distort things in such a way as to be right?

Well lets look a little closer at the TRUTH.

Mr. Mendoza used BUY IT NOW feature in the auction which in essence stopped anyone else from bidding on the item. If the item was such junk , why did he do that?

After receiving the item it was he who began with rude
emails and still he was given a refund.

Unlike Mr. Mendoza I don't over price items so as to make large profits. I simply charge what I paid or less for what I sell on eBay and don't rip anybody off.

I suspect that the way Mr. Mendoza has protected his account is through email threats like the one he made to me trying to extort a retraction of my feedback.

Read what I wrote carefully. What was said in error?

Nothing!

But it seems that Mr. Mendoza can't handle it and so he's trying to use this forum as a personal tool for his vengeance.

I wonder if those who monitor the site will condone this or will they see through his misguided use of this forum for his own gain.

We will See?










1/7/2007, 6:03 pm Link to this post Send Email to Tavita   Send PM to Tavita
 
Amos Becka Profile
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Re: The Promised eBay Negative Feedback Post


All I can say about the rebuttal is I have known and purchased from John for some time now and know that I know he is honest in all of his dealings. He is the one person that I never hesitate to buy from as he is very articulate and straight forward with what he sells. I can not imagine that he would be any different in his purchases!!

As a eBay buyer/seller I say shame on Tavita for allowing it to come to this. I ALWAYS take the high road when it comes to leaving negative feedback. For someone whom has worked so hard at keeping a perfect reputation on eBay, you have tarnished it for what? Hopefully those who know John can vouch for him and this will never be a question in anyone's mind.


Keep On John! Wasn't planning to post but I stick up for my friends. John is truly a good friend that all would be fortunate to know!!

   Brad Stinson
1/7/2007, 8:08 pm Link to this post Send Email to Amos Becka   Send PM to Amos Becka
 
John Mendoza Profile
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Re: The Promised eBay Negative Feedback Post


As I said this was posted as a statement of fact and a warning and not a debate. I will reply to tavitas reply one time and then after that she can rant on as she wishes to do so. I will remind readers to compare my feedback with hers (be sure to specifically read the negative ones left to her to understand her character,) and judge for yourselves. Now, I'll reply to each of her statements, paragraph by paragraph:

Why did I use the Buy It Now? Because, based on her clear statement of "beauty and quality" and the further assurance that the item was in excellent condition and the photo did not do it justice, it seemed like a good purchase. Since, the ad consisted of outright misrepresentations as to its quality and condition, I was in error. Frankly, an honest ad would have avoided this entire situation.

Next, my "rude" email simply told her it was homemade and junk. I did express my disappointment clearly. It was not mean or rude. I'm sure she interpreted it that way simply because I wanted asked to exercise her own offered money back guarantee.

Her next paragraph makes statements about my profits and my purpose for selling on eBay. This woman's statements about my large profits are made from complete ignorance. I have never met nor dealt with this woman before this transaction, so how could she possibly know of my profits? In addition, the purpose of eBay, for many, IS to make a profit. If you choose to sell at a loss, that's your decision. And, I do, in fact, sometimes make that choice.

I'd like to digress for just a moment to give an example of the honesty of my ads and to attest to the fact that I won't sell a bad item at a big profit. I recently advertised Symbiose and Hole in the Head and stated that both were not worth the asking price and, frankly, not good ideas in my estimation. I also started the bidding at 99 cents. You can see the ad by doing an item number search, 280063312497. I paid $25.00 to Devin Knight for Symbiose alone (who will confirm that,) so where is my clamor for large profits? You might also check my recent Holiday Specials which were all sold at just about my cost as a thank you to supporters.

Next, she states I threatened her. I have not threatened anyone, including tavita, and invite anyone to email any of my 5700 feedback posts to ask them to confirm that. I have never felt any need to protect my feedback other than by dealing honestly, accurately and fairly and that's how I acquired my present score. I did email her exactly as I stated in my first post requesting withdrawal and advising that I would have to defend my reputation if it wasn't removed.

By the way, many of those feedback writers are right here on this forum, so if you have been dissatisfied with my dealings, feel free to let her know. I'm sure she'd be thrilled.

I have no difficulty handling anything when it comes to eBay. I've been on the site for seven years, am a Power Seller and they even know my by name. On the contrary, it appears that tavita has difficulty handling her own 3 day money back guarantee which he ad clearly offered.

The monitors on this site are welcome to do with as they wish with this post. They put their trust in me and I do the same with them. And, for your information, tavita, I was invited to be a part of this forum; I did not request it.

Lastly, tavita mentions misguided use of this forum. First, this is not my personal tool nor was my post vengeful in any way. It was factual. Or, the truth as she so claims. The so-called misguided use of this forum was to state the facts and advise others to be wary, period.

Yes, Tavita, we will see.

Now, that is my final word on this topic, so, tavita or anyone, if you feel compelled to write further feel free to do so. I have better things to occupy my time and I am content with having explained my side to my supporters. I need not defend my character any further. My first post and this one are the facts; if anyone chooses to dispute that or not believe it, more power to you.

Before leaving, I would invite any readers to read the feedback left after hers, including the one regarding the Symbiose sale. My score is back on track and continues to go up. I think it's clear that this lady was just a tiny blip in a solid record and, on retrospect, she probably wasn't worth the time I expended writing either of these posts. As often happens, I may have inadvertently brought attention to something that nobody else would have even given the slightest regard. But, thanks for listening anyway.

Again, thanks for everyone's support and keep checking because many new topics will be coming very soon.





1/7/2007, 8:08 pm Link to this post Send Email to John Mendoza   Send PM to John Mendoza
 
George Guerra Profile
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Re: The Promised eBay Negative Feedback Post


I can sympathize with John. In all my ebay transactions, I have had only one negative and that was from a sale of a philatelic material I sold to someone who was not happy with his purchase (I recall it was less than 40 dollars) and never contacted me about the problem, which I would have resolved by immediately refunding his money and letting him keep the stamp in question. Instead he immediately resorted to writing a negative feedback.

Unfortunately, that's the price to pay when you deal with people. They come in all shades. I have bought magic stuff that was not up to quality on ebay, but have never left a negative feedback, and just left it as part of the hunt. I, too, wonder how John could have kept such a clean record all this time. Someone with no sense of decency or honor was bound to come along, sooner or later...c'est la vie.
1/7/2007, 8:53 pm Link to this post Send Email to George Guerra   Send PM to George Guerra
 
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Re: The Promised eBay Negative Feedback Post


I, too, have purchased hundreds of items through ebay and other on-line sources, including many dozens of magical items.

A few times the items were exactly as described, but were still unusable. That's one of the unfortunate aspects of buying on line and why--especially when it comes to new products--I always urge people to support their local dealers (if there is one).

Most of the time, if there has been a problem, sellers have gone out of their way to be courteous and respectful and did their best to resolve it. A few wouldn't contact me and one I had to threaten to sue.

Considering the vast number of exchanges that go on daily, it is amazing that there are so few rip-offs. We should do everything we can to try and resolve problems. If there is no response, it may include negative feedback, filing a complaint with the post office and filing a report with the Better Business Bureau.

There are really two reasons to buy on-line. To get something we can't obtain locally, or to save money. I recently purchased a magic effect that retailed for $125 and was being sold at the Magic Castle swap meet for $99 for only $75. Unfortunately, because we are out to save money, there are a few people who will take advantage of us.

As I said, I recommend doing everything legal to resolve the problem. Be courteous. For example, even if a product is pure crap, it might be more advantageous to say, "the ad said it was high quality, but the product clearly did not meet this claim." We do catch many more flies with honey than with salt.

But no matter what happens, if you do a lot of selling and buying on line, there are going to be nasty people there. You can't just walk out of their store or ask them to leave your store.

So I suggest we do everything possible to resolve such problems. If they cannot be resolved, I suggest reporting troublemakers and crooks to appropriate authorities and with negative feedback. Hopefully, that will stop others from getting ripped off, too, and give us some brownie points. But finally, I also suggest that there are a few bad debts that we simply have to accept. It sucks, but it's reality. Holding on to any anger can only hurt our own health.

May the rip-offs you experience be few!
1/7/2007, 11:10 pm Link to this post Send PM to dmkraig
 
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Re: The Promised eBay Negative Feedback Post


John. . . yes, you are right. Make no more replies. You don't need to and please don't waste your time. Your reputation speaks for itself over the many years of your service to the art of magic.

And Miss Tavita, find some different hobbies. Magic and Ebay selling are not good to you. Try the US postal service. There's no requirement to have tact.

Don't worry anyone, I won't be responding to her either. I'm only registered for just today to stand up for John. Goodbye.
1/7/2007, 11:41 pm Link to this post Send Email to Jeff Hobson   Send PM to Jeff Hobson
 
magicguy Profile
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Re: The Promised eBay Negative Feedback Post


I may be unique in having bought items from both of these folks. I can tell you that my experience with Tavita was one of the worst I've had on eBay. She acted paranoid and suspicious that I wouldn't pay or woudl try to scam her, despite my 100% positive feedback and several emails from me. She reported me to eBay while we were still exchanging email with no notice to me that she was about to do so. It is only my opinion, but I think she has some kind of emotional issues. The nasty and juvenile feedback that she has given, not just to John, but to others (though not me, Thank Goodness!) tells you what you are dealing with. I will NEVER buy from her again, or from anyone who leaves feedback like that. It is unprofessional, unfair, irresponsible, and frankly unconvincing as it says more about the person leaving it than the person who received it.

OTOH, I have bought a lot of items from John, and never been disappointed (except when outbid!). He is honest, fast, understanding, and a true gentleman. I will say that the prices his items command are in fact higher than the same items sold by others. Part of that is due to his excellent descriptions and marketing technique, but the major part is that we all respect both his opinion and his character. If John says it's good, and in good condition, it IS. I wish so many other folks hadn't tumbled on to that, because it really drives the prices high, but that's the way it goes. We'd rather pay more and avoid the "Tavita Experience."

Thanks, John for all your contributions to magic, and, through your books and eBay ads, to my magic education.

Warm regards,
Another satisfied customer.

1/8/2007, 12:05 am Link to this post Send Email to magicguy   Send PM to magicguy
 
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Re: The Promised eBay Negative Feedback Post


Happy New Year, John!
I, too, became a member of this site just to be able to to stand up for John F Mendoza. Not only have I bought a lot of magic from him for several years, I have always been happy with every aspect of the transactions, and if there was a problem, John went above and beyond to make it right. I am also the one who bought the Symbiose 'package' from him. It was exactly as he wrote - both in the item descriptions - and his comments on this site. I already had the other item of this package - Third Eye, or Hole in the Head - or whatever it was called. As I told John in my feedback, they were both overpriced and underwhelming - exactly as he claimed - but I was happy to learn Symbiose and save some money. Also, now I own something that once belonged to Devin Knight - again, just as John wrote.
In short, which is difficult for me as you can tell from the rambling nature and length of this post, John has always been kind and absolutely professional with me, and although we have actually met only once, I consider him a friend. His knowledge of magic is incredible. His ebay item descriptions are worthy of saving offline for their insights, routine ideas, and history. He has very kindly advised me on items by giving his opinion about the items, my preferences, my style, etc.
We have this running joke that I should just sign over some of my paychecks to him because I get into trends where I win and buy a lot from him over short runs of time. I look forward to many, many more successful transactions with John. But I plan to keep my paychecks and continue to pay John as I have in the past.
John, I apologize for not submitting some feedbacks. As you know, I still have stuff I bought from you that I have not opened yet! Rest assured I will post every feedback that I can from here on until we get you up to the 100% Positive that you have earned and deserve.
Hang in there, flinndog! You are one of the greatest! Your pal, Joey Butler
1/8/2007, 8:39 am Link to this post Send Email to kidkangaroomajordomo   Send PM to kidkangaroomajordomo
 


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