WA2FSO Steven W. Neumann UNRELIABLE

[ab0re]

Steven offered a PRO-2026 scanner for sale on 12/9/05 both in the QRZ.com and eHam.net classifieds. I replied via email on 12/9/05. Steven immediately called me back to work out the details. He said he'd accept USPS money order only, unless I'd be willing to wait an additional three days for a personal check to clear his bank.

That same day, 12/9/05, I went to the post office and sent him a USPS Money Order for the price of the scanner plus shipping.

After not hearing anything from Steven regarding the payment I sent, I followed-up with him on 12/17/05 to see if the payment was received. Steven replied and said the scanner was sent out 12/15/05 PM.

After not receiving the scanner by 12/22/2005 I sent another follow-up message to Steven requesting the tracking number. He replied back that same day sending he'd send the tracking number out the morning of 12/23/2005.

After still not receiving the tracking number this morning (12/26/2005) I sent Steven another request for the tracking number. He replied saying that the scanner was not actually sent out 12/22/2005 (instead of the 12/15/2005 date he previously stated).

I was up front with Steven from the beginning saying I'd be leaving on a week-long trip starting this Wednesday morning. He knew that receiving the scanner by then was a priority for me. Yet he chose not to send it until 12/22/2005. Now I either have to find somebody to check my mail everyday so the scanner doesn't sit outside in a snowbank for a week, or I have to go to the post office to fill out a "hold mail" form and have the scanner sit in the back of Bubba's mail truck for a week. This is a lot of BS for a $40 scanner.

My advice is to not purchase from Steven as he does not appear to be a man of his word. He is reactive, not proactive, in his business dealings. It feels like pulling teeth having to constantly email WA2FSO to get updates and tracking numbers. Spend a few more bucks and buy the item new to save yourself the headache. Or, better yet, buy from a more reliable ham.

73,
Dan / ab0re

[ab0re]

I just wanted to post a follow-up to let whoever may be reading this know that I did receive the scanner from Steven.

The scanner was poorly packed - thrown into a box with the plastic "air padding" stuff (four of the eight bubbles were popped) - the antenna was poking out of the side of the box when I got it.

Steven said he'd include a bracket if he found it and he'd print me out a copy of the manual. There was no bracket or manual. I had to pay another $25 to get a bracket from Radio Shack parts and I had to locate the user manual online and print it off myself.

I did contact Steve regarding an intermittent volume control problem. Steve said if it didn't work out he could arrange for a refund. The problem appears to have resolved itself by doing a CPU set and spinning the volume/power control knob several times. Perhaps it was just cold when I powered it up the first time.

I don't think Steven was trying to take advantage of me. I just think he does not do a lot of online business or place a high value on attention to detail when doing business with other hams. I guess the thing to ask yourself before doing business with him is whether or not the deal is good enough to justify the additional hassle of things not going smoothly.

73,
Dan / ab0re

[wa2fso]

Dan,
Dan
You never contacted me about the Bracket, Had you I would Have found it and sent it to you. I do my best to Complete any sales.I packed it i thought quite well, i guess the Postal System is not very good at takeing care of shipped items. The Key word Is I offered you a refund if it did not work.As for the bracket, if i did not ship it , it was an honest mistake,Had you told me i would have sent one out asap. I offer my apoligies.
Was the item shipped late, Possably, and if it was i am to blame, the fact it came while you were gone, again i am sorry. I hope this apology is accepted and like to point out i have sold quite a few items and your is the only posting i see with a negitive vibe, and yes it was my fault. Lesson learned.