9 replies to this topic

[Bullfighter]

There is a pen vendor out there goes under the name La Belle Epoque. I bought and paid for a pen back in November. Never got it. Tried three times to communicate, no answers. Finally opened a Paypal dispute. That got his attention, momentarily. He asked me if I still wanted the pen and I replied no, just refund my money. Not happening. I doubt if Paypal gives a rats ass about this. I know this guy isn't voluntarily going to refund my payment, of which I have the Paypal receipts, etc. My advice? Stay away from this seller of pens. No need for anyone else to get stiffed. Paypal is fine until something like this happens. 

Edited by Bullfighter, 10 December 2014 - 05:12 AM.

[Mike Hosea]

These things take time because the seller has a chance to respond (which in this case should be proof of shipment or proof of refund), but you should be covered, unless you paid it as a "gift".

[Deb]

I've never been left out of pocket when an Ebay purchase went wrong.  On every occasion ( and there have been quite a few) either eBay has made the seller pay up or I've been repaid under the buyer protection policy.  State your case fully and calmly.  If the seller ceases to respond, ask eBay to step in.

[John Danza]

There is a pen vendor out there goes under the name La Belle Epoque. I bought and paid for a pen back in November. Never got it. Tried three times to communicate, no answers. Finally opened a Paypal dispute. That got his attention, momentarily. He asked me if I still wanted the pen and I replied no, just refund my money. Not happening. I doubt if Paypal gives a rats ass about this. I know this guy isn't voluntarily going to refund my payment, of which I have the Paypal receipts, etc. My advice? Stay away from this seller of pens. No need for anyone else to get stiffed. Paypal is fine until something like this happens. 

 

That guy has been in the vintage pen business for a while. Mark something, can't remember his last name. While he's a bit full of himself, if you know what I mean, I've never heard anything about him being dishonest. But times can change I guess.

[Paul M]

 

There is a pen vendor out there goes under the name La Belle Epoque. I bought and paid for a pen back in November. Never got it. Tried three times to communicate, no answers. Finally opened a Paypal dispute. That got his attention, momentarily. He asked me if I still wanted the pen and I replied no, just refund my money. Not happening. I doubt if Paypal gives a rats ass about this. I know this guy isn't voluntarily going to refund my payment, of which I have the Paypal receipts, etc. My advice? Stay away from this seller of pens. No need for anyone else to get stiffed. Paypal is fine until something like this happens. 

 

That guy has been in the vintage pen business for a while. Mark something, can't remember his last name. While he's a bit full of himself, if you know what I mean, I've never heard anything about him being dishonest. But times can change I guess.

 

 

November is not that long ago!

 

I can think you at least two occasions where I have sold into the US and delivery took much longer than expected;

 

1. for some reason best known to Royal Mail the package went via Brasil

 

2. Again for reasons best known to Royal Mail, but possibly due to volcanic activity in Iceland, one package to an FPB member went surface mail. The intended recipient was extremely understanding and if I recall correctly never even hinted at starting a paypal case.

 

There are crooks out there, in these cases ebay protection will ensure your investment is safe, but from my experience most sellers are genuine and honest. Your haste at making public your grievance is probably counter-productive at this stage. 

[marcshiman]

The owner of the site is Mark Hoover, and he is currently an active buyer, seller, and restorer of pens with a lengthy history of being an honest member of the community. Times have not changed (I do business with him quite regularly).

 

I think in this case, he might be reasonably accused by the buyer to not being as responsive as some of the more exemplary sellers, but this doesn't need to degrade into anything further.  

[John Danza]

The owner of the site is Mark Hoover, and he is currently an active buyer, seller, and restorer of pens with a lengthy history of being an honest member of the community. Times have not changed (I do business with him quite regularly).

 

I think in this case, he might be reasonably accused by the buyer to not being as responsive as some of the more exemplary sellers, but this doesn't need to degrade into anything further.  

 

Thanks for the update on his name. I couldn't come up with it.

 

If you read my response, I was not accusing him of anything other than having a bit of an inflated ego, based on conversations over the years. I only responded to put a real person's name to the discussion. I have no doubt that your dealings with him have been totally fine. Just a clarification so there's no misunderstanding about my response.

[Rick Krantz]

I have known Mark Hoover for almost 20 years. 

 

While I won't comment on his speed..... 

 

(okay... I will... he took a year on my max vac crack repair, then has had my parker 42 1/2 for about 1.5 years, but I trust him) 

 

I don't think you have anything to worry about in regards to receiving a refund.

 

Please stop back, and update us, Bullfighter, It would be good to know this was made right. 

 

Mark is a good guy, with good intentions, He sorta keeps a lot of irons in the fire, so to speak. 

[Procyon]

I have dealt with Mark for years, and always had good results.  I do notice he seems to be selling more pipes than pens lately, so maybe he's spread too thin.  I think you will be alright, Bullfighter, if you are patient.  Mark usually has very high quality items, and seems to have a pipeline to Europe which results in a lot of pens with 18K nibs.

[Alex2014]

I recently purchased a  nice Swan eyedropper from Mark Hoover and I was very pleasant with the transition. Mark surely is an experienced FP lover and a honest seller on La Belle Epoque.