Enclosure disappointment

[Stargazer]

I had to cancel my enclosure order due to some really poor customer service and faulty communication between the dealer and the manufacturer. I ordered 2 permanent plastic enclosures from Boas and Balls in Brighton, Colorado. Every time I asked the owner Lynn a question about the cage, whether they could do something to customize it, it would take 2 weeks for her to come back with an answer. We finally agreed on the cages and the pedestal, but the pedestal was ridiculously expensive. I finally agreed to pay it. But when it came to time to schedule the pick up for this weekend, she told me that they made the wrong kind of pedestal and were still going to overcharge me for it. She told me that in order to get the kind of pedestal I wanted, the price had gone up an additional $125 to the already ridiculous price of $200, making it $325! The total for the 12" pedestal was going to be higher than the cost of a cage!!! Of course, this is almost 2 months into the order. All this time I could have probably built one myself!

Throughout all of this back and forth, Lynn continously blamed her manufacturers and refused to deliver the product she promised me for the price she promised.

I'm pretty upset about this. It's now too late in the season to try and build a custom cage. I told Lynn that this would affect her reputation because people on RTB knew I was waiting for my enclosures and would want to see them. She became very angry and hung up on me. I really wanted the cages. I could have paid the exhorbitant price for the pedestal. But I don't think I could trust her if something every went wrong with the cages. I think customer service is just as important as the product. And it just wasn't there with this vendor, sadly. It's too bad because they also sell frozen rats and mulch. But I will never buy anything from her now.

They are the ones who put together the Denver Reptile Expos.

Looks like poor Jesse and Veronica have another winter in the glass tanks.

[owen.richards]

2 words my stargazing friend....animal plastics

[Stargazer]

I cannot afford animal plastics nor do I like certain things about them. I would just go with Boaphiles but I cannot afford those either. I think I will wait till spring and then have someone build me a custom one similar to Kobi's. I really like the way she did hers.

[mhartmann]

Wow! That's a terrible story. I'm angry for you! And after all that time! Maybe it's best you got out of that deal, considering they didn't keep promises well, who knows the quality of the enclosures. Have you tried craigslist? I'm not sure how strong it is out in Co but I have seen some really great costume enclosures for pretty cheap. Good luck!

[missraywoj]

You know what, I honestly have looked at some cage plans and if you have the time and patience it really isn't TOO difficult to construct a cage. The most important thing as i'm sure you're aware is to be exact with measurements.

That's absolutely absurd that they kept screwing you around, and something that is going to hurt their business. I'm sure you aren't the first person this has happened to. Considering how awful the economy is they should have been kissing your butt and trying to push for a sale, even if it meant they lost a few dollars.

[Stargazer]

I agree with you, Miss Ray. I think she should have taken a hit herself on the price of the pedestal in order to keep her word to a customer. That is what I would have done.

I once did a refinance through a new lender. He promised me a certain price. But when it came time to close on the loan, one of the closing costs had gone up by $150 (not his fault). He ended up reducing his commission by that amount in order to keep his word to me. I have never forgotten this and have sent him many customers.

Boas and Balls, on the other hand, acted like I was badgering her when I reminded her that this mistake would affect her reputation. Well, what can I say? Good news travels fast. But bad news travels faster.

[BlackLava]

wow...that blows!! you have way more patience than i do though, i would never have put up with so much crap from someone i am trying to do business with, no way