What would you do?

[Fluker]

Back in December I made the decision on which taxidermist to go with for my replica. Put the order in on Dec 6. Replica to match, specifically some black marks that showed up on the picture well. On drift wood with a plate stating the measurements and date.

Contacted the guy in early Feb, then again in late Feb when the replica was supposed to be done. He returned my 2nd call to let me known his mother fell ill and it set him back. In March he said it should be done in a week. Several e-mails and calls in April, May and June with responses of "it will be done next week". Was getting a little upset, but knew the quality would be good and wanted to give the guy a break because of his mother's situation.

He calls me a few weeks ago to let me know it's done and was going to ship it out. Asked me how much I owed, and if it was to be on a habitat, or driftwood. Got a funny feeling somethign was gonne be wrong at that time.

Received the mount yesterday when I returned home from vacation. Sure enough, the black spots were NOT on the fish and there was no face plate. Face plate is not a big deal, as I plan to do a picture hang just below like I saw on here and I can print the info there. But the black spots really made the fish unique.

Being that it took 8 months to get it, I'm not sure what I want to do. I know 8 months might not seem bad if I was told that originally, but I was told 3 months. If he wants to fix it, then I'll have to pack it back up and send it back. Who knows when I'll get it back. Other than it missing pieces of what I ordered, the replica is amazing. He did follow 2 instructions that I did give him. A very vague lateral line and a golden tint to it, which is what most of our fall fish here look like. (The fish is the one in my avatar)

Do I tell him to take it back and fix it, or return my money? Or just live with what I have. As mentioned, it looks fabulous, just missing the spots, which I was eager to see on there.

Thoughts?

[Ray Esboldt]

I would want him to fix it.

But, I understand your aprehension. He's got your money, and though not likely, you could conceivably never see the fish again. How far away is he from you?

[Fluker]

Hey Ray, that is not my worry at all. I think the guy is a good guy, and honest. I think I'll get it back, just not sure when. And it'll be quite a hassle to pack it back up and ship it back down there.

[frogtosser]

thats a tough one, its not just something you can take a magic marker to.

[JimBuck]

I would talk to him (if you can get a hold of him) and see how difficult it would be on his end to add the requested spots. I'm not very familiar with the process but there does seem to be a laquer or clear coat process used on my fish for that fresh out of the water appeal. It's one of those things that you spend all this money on because of it's sentimental or personal value so of course you would expect it to be just the way you asked. Good luck!

[slimerg0d]

I would call him and tell him your concerns. I would say what you expected and what your concerns are in a nice way. If I was him I would want you to be happy and maybe he did have a lot going on but if you have emails you can point out what you asked for and your concerns of how long it may take he might surprise you. Just my .02cents.

[bassNspear]

i would have him fix it man. Its going the same it needs to be fixed so its like the same!

[Central Bassman]

I agree i think he should fix it for no cost!!!!! You went to him for a reason and you wanted that fish on your wall for a reason and that was the black spots!!! Right?? So i think it need to get done and get done RIGHT!!!

[Fluker]

Contact him via e-mail (haven't had time to call) and he apologized and said he'd fix it no problem. Simply forgot.

Only question that remains is who will pick up the shipping cost for me to send it back to him.

[SledNeck]

Catch a BIGGER fish and let someone else do your replica!!!!!!

Hurry up and get started

[EBass]

He should reimburse you for the shipping costs. This isn't your fault - it's my fault for not catching that bass first:)

[Bass Whacker]

I had the same problem when i got my replica made of my california sheaphead I caught in california it took me almost 2 years to get it back because a year in the guy decided they couldnt do it in the end it came back way different than what i wanted a year later and a different place and i couldnt be happier try and work it out most people understand and will pay you back for the shipping. i know everyone i delt with was good about it. dont settle for what you dont want it will bug you forever.

[Central Bassman]

Yea he should pick up the shipping cost, no questions asked!!!! From what i have been reading he seems to be a good guys, just made a mistake!!!