The Armour Archive

It is true, Jareth. He posted as much right here in the last Galon update thread.

Said Galon is his buddy.

If anyone is interested, here are two links to the Postal Inspectors. If you mailed a check to Galon, it is mail fraud, and if enough people complain about him, something is more likely to be done.
The main page:
https://www.usps.com/postalinspectors/fraud/welcome.htm
The Online forum, which has a link if you want to report by mail:
https://www.usps.com/postalinspectors/fraud/MailFraudComplaint.htm

Lookes like the Billy Badasses have a slight lead over the Jailhouse Lawyers.

Has anyone bothered to ask why? I think you'll be humbled by the answer, unless you're an incurable prick.

Yes, he didn't hit his mark, and yes, he could have communicated better. It's a pity, and it's disconcerting. What bothers me most is that people are more concerned with their shiney bits of metal than they are the struggles of a fellow human being.

I know Galon well enough to say that you'll all get your merchandise, unless he dies first. I understand the idea that "merchants must achieve a given service level". And, more than most (evidently), I understand what a big chunk of your ass life can take without a warning.

It's a lot like people complaining because they lost a paperweight when the Twin Towers fell. If you're that dosed on instant gratification, I suggest you only buy off the shelf. It may not fit, but you'll get what you deserve.

It isn't a scam, folks, it's a man who life has eaten trying to make amends. Get a grip.

Not everyone has the same knowledge of Galon, the you apparently do. I would have understood, and forgiven life getting in the way, since that is something I understand all too well. But you must understand, from where I'm sitting, it looks like Galon has ran. He keeps posting about how his list is getting shorter, yet no one seems to be getting what they ordered. He told me, at the end of July that my order would be in the mail in a couple of weeks, yet here it is September, and nothing.

I have every right to be upset about this. Not only have apparently wasted my money, by buying from him, I have wasted my time trying to track him, and an answer down, and wasted my reputation by recommending him to others.

Why do I complain? Not for me, for I am not a steel fighter. These gauntlets were to be a birthday present to my husband, who aspires to fight steel, yet he can't. Why? Because after scrimping and saving, I have nothing to show for it, and no current means to pay for gauntlets from another armorer.

I expect that when I pay for something, that I will get what I paid for, in a reasonable amount of time. If you want to call that unreasonable, or petty, them by all means do. I will wear that mantle proudly. One does not go to Wal Mart, pay for a DVD, then wait for over a year and a half (at least) before they ever see it.

Lark
The Unreasonable

Bob, these are your words-

"I know Galon well enough to say that you'll all get your merchandise, unless he dies first. I understand the idea that "merchants must achieve a given service level". And, more than most (evidently), I understand what a big chunk of your ass life can take without a warning.

It's a lot like people complaining because they lost a paperweight when the Twin Towers fell. If you're that dosed on instant gratification, I suggest you only buy off the shelf. It may not fit, but you'll get what you deserve.

It isn't a scam, folks, it's a man who life has eaten trying to make amends. Get a grip."

When I purchased mine, it was advertised as ready to go. My money order was mailed less than 72 hours (because of a holiday weekend) after the end of auction.
I would not have bid on them if they were to be made yet (I wanted them for a tourney I was fighting in 1 month hence).
I would be more understanding if he emailed ME and said, "Sorry, I f***ed up, and it'll be awhile" instead of two hard-luck stories (which may or may not be true), and them dropping off the face of the earth, changing mailing and email addies (seems like he's running to me).
At this point, will I die before I get my gauntlets? Will my 2 1/2 year old son get them after he authorizes adult HW (sarcasm, maybe not)?
You asked us to get a grip. How long?
Instead I hear (and see) him posting (and selling) ready to go stuff on eBay, sucking in and lying to a whole new group of people.
Does he need the $$ to finish the ones ordered 2 years ago? Galon has a problem, and it is not having the gauntlets he says he is selling. All the people whom say "Get a grip" or "He has had a hard time" are just enabling him to continue this way (god I hate this psychobabble crap).
If you know him, maybe you should look at him not as someone you like and feel sorry, but ask yourself, how would it feel if I was stiffed for a pair of gauntlets?

Hrólfr

Or ten pair like JP. "They're 2/3s done, send more money"...

I got to disagree with you on this one Bob.

If he is in such bad shape (and I realise life deals some pretty shitty cards sometimes) and such a good person why is he still selling things on ebay (and god knows where else)?

There is no excuse for this IMO.

And like Jareth said earlier, IF I knew the man personally, I damn sure wouldnt be admitting it here, because if it was me that got screwed and the cops told me "We cant help because we cant track him down."

I'd be all over saying "Here are the names of some folks that know him personally and are aware of what he is doing"

Bad things happen to good people sometimes, I agree but Galon seems to just be digging his own hole deeper and deeper.

Halvgrimr


[This message has been edited by Halvgrim (edited 09-04-2003).]

Bob, I'm sympathetic to Galon's needs, but he took money. In my case he took mine and 7 other peoples money (I ordered a couple extra to have readily (hah!) availalble).

I'm no less sympathetic with Gundo, when my gauntlets from him will be a 2 year old order in November, and 2 years overdue in February.

This is fraud. I'm sorry that life is tough. But he needs to get his ass out there and make the gauntlets that he took the money for.

Can't afford it? Bullshit. Steel is $40 for a sheet of 16 gauge mild... I know in my case he is still owed the remaining 1/3 of my order, around $200 or so... he could finish mine, collect the remainder, and buy more steel etc..

Buts lets start a count...

Galon owes me 10. What about everyone else? just count up.

Society Chiurgeon 1
He was promissed a set of elbows for late delivery as part of the dispute resolution process, and he failed to deliver anything. Ebay refunded probably all but $25 dollars or so, so it may be that he owes the SC $25, and Ebay the rest, I don't know if they actually got money from Galon or not.

(sold as "I only sell what I have on hand")

[This message has been edited by Alcyoneus (edited 09-04-2003).]

*sigh*
Not like I think it's going to do alot of good, but
*bump*

Wow, I just got through posting on another thread about yet another armorer doing almost the same thing.
It's sure a shame noone has the whereabouts. I would sure like to hear fewer threads about fellow armorers defrauding people. This can probably only be accomplished if they complete their projects from the penitentiary.

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Michael Spiers
Cyrack of Stonekeep
Stonekeep Armory
www.stonekeeparmory.com

Some of these problems can be made easier with some simple communication. Posting a weekly note with some updates to some of the orders would go a very long way to keeping people content. Not happy, but people would at least know that they are not forgotten.

------------------
Stefan von Kiel

If you can't use finese, then make a mess.

Yes, but that would mean he'd have to come back to the board. And I've noticed a lack of Galaon since people started expressing exactly how displeased they were with him.

Lark

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR><font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Lark:
<B>Yes, but that would mean he'd have to come back to the board. And I've noticed a lack of Galaon since people started expressing exactly how displeased they were with him.

Lark</B></font><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Alas, this is his MO. Then he'll ebay a bit, and more people will be ticked off.

Hrólfr

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR><font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Bob Hurley:
<B>I know Galon well enough to say that you'll all get your merchandise, unless he dies first. I understand the idea that "merchants must achieve a given service level". And, more than most (evidently), I understand what a big chunk of your ass life can take without a warning.
</B></font><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

He shouldn't have cashed any checks without delivering the merchandise. He had no right to take a "loan" from these folks without their consent.

Is he having a hard time in life right now? I'm sure he is. Does that have any bearing on his obligations or failure in same? No.

I've had instances where I've been unable to keep my end of a bargain. Guess what? I returned the money and apologized. I didn't fall off the face of the earth, and I didn't sell an item on ebay that I said was already finished, when I knew damn well it wasn't.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR><font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Hrólfr:
<B> Alas, this is his MO. Then he'll ebay a bit, and more people will be ticked off.

Hrólfr
</B></font><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

That's why I hope to get people to report him. If enough people complain, then it will show a pattern. That will make the authorities more likely to do something, as opposed to it being just one or two complaints.

hey....its been two year and Armor Guy still owes me lamellar plates I sent him money for....

Anyone have his info?

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR><font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Trevor:
<B> He shouldn't have cashed any checks without delivering the merchandise. He had no right to take a "loan" from these folks without their consent.

Is he having a hard time in life right now? I'm sure he is. Does that have any bearing on his obligations or failure in same? No.

I've had instances where I've been unable to keep my end of a bargain. Guess what? I returned the money and apologized. I didn't fall off the face of the earth, and I didn't sell an item on ebay that I said was already finished, when I knew damn well it wasn't.</B></font><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yah, its called LYING! I understand having problems, but LYING and THEFT don't truly help them. Fortunately he's kept the level low enough to avoid trouble with the authorities... so far.

It's hard to reach felony status if you only steal $75 at a time.

$75 dollars at a time would never be a felony. However, the 'event' on E-bay with $75 x ?? could easily put him into that catagory. Furthermore we have crossed into mail fraud which by it's very nature is a federal offense.

I appreciate that small claims court may be too costly to warrant the $75 for one pair of gaunts for one man, but there are enough folks involved (one for 10 pair) that for $5 a man or less you could file, win a judgement in his abscence (He would be a fool to show up and get an ass-whoopin in the parking lot)and then contact a local laywer as well. I don't know what he does for a living but having your wages garnished or being ordered to sell of non-essential(TV,VCR,etc.) household items may just be the wake-up call this clown needs.

Or you could all just keep taking it in the ass!

Regards,

J

RLTW

Mail fraud is a federal offence. One that is currently being "craked down" on. That is why I posted the links to the online complaint form. If enough people complain, something will be done.

And if Postal doen't get it resloved, they have the option of holding his mail. All his mail. Which mean he won't be getting anymore money from people, but he aalso won't be getting his bills to pay either.

I have, what I believe to be current info. If anyone would like it, e-mail me at LarkAvin@aol.com. Please put something in the text about Galon, so I don't delete it (as I often do with unknown addies).

Lark

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR><font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Lark:
<B>Mail fraud is a federal offence. One that is currently being "craked down" on. That is why I posted the links to the online complaint form. If enough people complain, something will be done.

And if Postal doen't get it resloved, they have the option of holding his mail. All his mail. Which mean he won't be getting anymore money from people, but he aalso won't be getting his bills to pay either.

I have, what I believe to be current info. If anyone would like it, e-mail me at LarkAvin@aol.com. Please put something in the text about Galon, so I don't delete it (as I often do with unknown addies).

Lark</B></font><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Lark, please email me privately (w/Galon in the subject) and I'll reply forthwith. For some reason my server don't like your addy.
Hrólfr

Complaint filed.

Hrólfr, I e-mailed you the info, did you get it?

Lark

In my experience I haven't had trouble with any armourers, but I had an idea while reading over this thread.

I'm sure one of you have some website making ability. How about making a site with a list of everyone you can find on the archive who has gotten the short end of the stick on a deal.

Doing the webiste wouldn't be difficult at all, and I'm sure youll get plenty of people to help add to the list (I would've started a new thread with this idea, but I don't feel it would be appropriate since I haven't been in your all's shoes)

Also, once the site is made, put a BIG 'OLE link to it in each of your signatures, every person waiting on extremely late armor should have it there.

Hopefully that way people could see all the armourers who have this bad reputation in one full list and of course it could also help to get some of the lesser evils asses in gear.

Just a thought though, I think it would help at least


------------------
Shawn T.
-SnoMan-

"The most merciful thing in the world, I think, is the inability of the human mind to correlate all its contents. - H.P. Lovecraft"

"Do not fear death. Death is always at our side. When we show fear, it jumps at us faster than light. But if we do not show fear, it casts its eye upon us gently, and guides us into... infinity....."

"I'm sure one of you have some website making ability. How about making a site with a list of everyone you can find on the archive who has gotten the short end of the stick on a deal."

Nice idea, and some folks have made web pages with rather brutal reviews of armourers, their products, and their business practices in the past.

The problem is, you could well run the risk of being the recipient of a libel or defamation lawsuit. I for one would never host such a site.

Steve

Ah, I understand your point.

I imagine it could be worked around as long as you play it safe. If you were to just list the seller, product/s and length of time since placing order/due date. I would think you at least wouldnt be too far in the wrong, but of course I know nothing about the law.

Well, keep thinking guys, I just hope I never find myself in a similar situation. Hope everything gets resolved eventually.

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Shawn T.
-SnoMan-

"The most merciful thing in the world, I think, is the inability of the human mind to correlate all its contents. - H.P. Lovecraft"

"Do not fear death. Death is always at our side. When we show fear, it jumps at us faster than light. But if we do not show fear, it casts its eye upon us gently, and guides us into... infinity....."

Nodding,

I've had a few good customers complain about getting ripped off,some for serious amounts of money when armories went broke.

One for over a thousand bucks.Most of the rest of his customers got paid off,I'm guessing with HIS money,then the guy evaporated like a fart in a high wind.

It hurts us all when this sort of thing happens.

And yes,we need to be careful in dealings with people we don't know.

In this instance I would suggest if this got started on ebay,a complaint against the seller be filed with THEM.

This will cut him off at the knees with doing it again,especially if you all browsing there keep turning him in when he re-registers with new screen names.

( A search under "gauntlets" should do the trick nicely.)

Keep the pressure on so he can't merely dodge the issue.Make it clear it's not going to end until he does the right thing,and either delivers or refunds.

Those of you who sent him checks obviously know of his location,use that information to your advantage.

Meanwhile,if he is known to be in a particular location,and has an sca association,you might consider contacting the branch he lives in.

I guarantee he will get VERY tired of hearing about it every time he shows up to an event.

Especially if enough of you actually network together and appoint a collection agent locally in his area on your behalf.

I would suggest that if you wish to put up a website,you simply make it a listing and then see about filing suit as a class action thing collectively in his area for fraud.

Bitching about someone here does little good except to those of us who frequent these boards.

Hope this helps,Sven

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR><font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Lark:
<B>Hrólfr, I e-mailed you the info, did you get it?

Lark</B></font><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sure did, thanks

Hrólfr

I've been talking with my brother, and he knows a couple people that work in Postal Inspections. He says what the Feds look for is high dollar, and a pattern. What I need is for everyone to e-mail me with a brief synopsis of what happened (how much, how many gauntlets, how long ago, etc.). I'll forward then to my brother, and when he has enough he'll hand the info over to the Postal Inspectors. That way it shows that it wasn't just one or two people that were defrauded.

E-mail me at LarkAvin@aol.com, and put Galon in the subject line. If you have a problem with the e-mail, post here and we'll find away to get the info shared.

Lark

Lark, please confirm reciept of it, my ISP is getting buggy for a bit, new phone lines. Sent info 9:15 am today.
H

For the moment I've turned off my mail filters. Try sending it again.

Lark

Anyone else who didn't receive what they ordered from Galon, please e-mail me the details. The more that file complaint, the more likely that something will be done.

Lark