a couple of interesting threads going on right now at Hyperscale and ML
http://www.network54.com/Forum/thread-47214-1128950249-BRYAN+GRAY
Buy, Sell or Trade
This forum is for all selling and buying related topics.
This forum is for all selling and buying related topics.
Hosted by Jim Starkweather
Buyer Beware Bryan Gray
Sundown
Member Since: April 28, 2002
entire network: 67 Posts
KitMaker Network: 0 Posts
Posted: Tuesday, October 11, 2005 - 04:37 PM UTC
DaveCox
Member Since: January 11, 2003
entire network: 4,307 Posts
KitMaker Network: 788 Posts
Posted: Tuesday, October 11, 2005 - 05:42 PM UTC
The Bryan Gray refered to is a respected member here, and my dealings with him have always been friendly, and any stuff traded or transacted has always been sent on time, usually with a few extras thrown in. I would say that if its true it is most out of character.
I've emailed him and PM'd this morning as he has the right to reply to this himself.
I've emailed him and PM'd this morning as he has the right to reply to this himself.
DRAGONWAGON
Member Since: February 05, 2003
entire network: 1,041 Posts
KitMaker Network: 298 Posts
Posted: Tuesday, October 11, 2005 - 05:42 PM UTC
Hi Guyz,
I have my reservations on this thread.
I have dealt twice with Bryan Gray ( aka Ex-Royal), and I had no problems whatsoever. All ordered kits were sent as agreed, with no problems...
Just my two cents....John.
I have my reservations on this thread.
I have dealt twice with Bryan Gray ( aka Ex-Royal), and I had no problems whatsoever. All ordered kits were sent as agreed, with no problems...
Just my two cents....John.
Martinnnn
Member Since: April 26, 2004
entire network: 5,435 Posts
KitMaker Network: 454 Posts
Posted: Tuesday, October 11, 2005 - 05:55 PM UTC
Hey
I trust Bryan but this threads makes me feen a bit uncomfortable because I'm waiting for about 7 weeks on my package to arrive from him now
But, Bryan, in case you read this, I trust you and I hope the package will arrive soon.
Maybe a traffic jam on the Atlantic ocean? :-)
Cya,
Martin
I trust Bryan but this threads makes me feen a bit uncomfortable because I'm waiting for about 7 weeks on my package to arrive from him now
But, Bryan, in case you read this, I trust you and I hope the package will arrive soon.
Maybe a traffic jam on the Atlantic ocean? :-)
Cya,
Martin
MrRoo
Member Since: October 07, 2002
entire network: 3,856 Posts
KitMaker Network: 719 Posts
Posted: Tuesday, October 11, 2005 - 08:19 PM UTC
I also am awaiting a kit ordered from Bryan but at the moment I am still willing to wait a bit longer for it.
cheers
Cliff
cheers
Cliff
Henk
Member Since: August 07, 2004
entire network: 6,391 Posts
KitMaker Network: 1,600 Posts
Posted: Tuesday, October 11, 2005 - 08:32 PM UTC
My dealings with Bryan have always been a pleasure, and the kit I bought of him arrived without a problem. The Canadian Post and Customs are notoriusly slow and " thorough " , but I must admit that 7 weeks is getting on a bit. I would wait to see if he will respond to Dave's email before jumping to conclusions.
He has not visited the forums since September 23, which is a long time for Bryan.
Cheers
Henk
He has not visited the forums since September 23, which is a long time for Bryan.
Cheers
Henk
Martinnnn
Member Since: April 26, 2004
entire network: 5,435 Posts
KitMaker Network: 454 Posts
Posted: Tuesday, October 11, 2005 - 08:36 PM UTC
Quoted Text
My dealings with Bryan have always been a pleasure, and the kit I bought of him arrived without a problem. The Canadian Post and Customs are notoriusly slow and " thorough " , but I must admit that 7 weeks is getting on a bit. I would wait to see if he will respond to Dave's email before jumping to conclusions.
He has not visited the forums since September 23, which is a long time for Bryan.
Cheers
Henk
Well he normally awnsers emails quickly
I'm not jumping into conclusions but I am getting worried because it's not a very small amount of money I'm talking about.....and seems I'm not the only one waiting.
Please Bryan, clear this up for us
Martin
oldbean
Member Since: July 05, 2004
entire network: 769 Posts
KitMaker Network: 219 Posts
Posted: Tuesday, October 11, 2005 - 09:58 PM UTC
I too tried to buy a figure from Bryan. After a 6 weeks of no show, I PM'ed him. He said he mailed it and offered to refund my money. So while the transaction itself didn't come thru, I at least got a refund without any problems.
Jesse
Jesse
greatbrit
Member Since: May 14, 2003
entire network: 2,127 Posts
KitMaker Network: 677 Posts
Posted: Tuesday, October 11, 2005 - 10:59 PM UTC
i seem to recall he had to step down as armour editor for personal reasons,
perhaps this is why he hasnt visited the site for a while, and why your kits are delayed.
He always seemed a nice enough guy from his posts here
regards
Joe
perhaps this is why he hasnt visited the site for a while, and why your kits are delayed.
He always seemed a nice enough guy from his posts here
regards
Joe
Martinnnn
Member Since: April 26, 2004
entire network: 5,435 Posts
KitMaker Network: 454 Posts
Posted: Tuesday, October 11, 2005 - 11:32 PM UTC
Well just got word from him. If my package doesn't arrive before a certain date he'll send me my money back.
Sounds fair, I feel much better with his reply now
No need not to trust him for me
Sounds fair, I feel much better with his reply now
No need not to trust him for me
Vadster
Member Since: June 28, 2004
entire network: 987 Posts
KitMaker Network: 0 Posts
Posted: Wednesday, October 12, 2005 - 01:05 AM UTC
I'd like to hear an explanation myself. I too await a package paid for in April that was supposedly mailed out back in June - after I was told it was going out in April,.....then May..... I mean like I flew up to Canada just to meet him in April of this year as we had corresponded several times prior over the course of 2 years. Ever since May of this year though he has been rather difficult to get ahold of - every conversation seperated by more & more time. I finally asked if I was ever going to see my stuff and yes the Canada post thing came up along with personal problems being cited.
On one hand I am angered and depressed by all these threads as it forces me to arrive to the conclusion that he ripped me off. On the other hand it just doesn't make sense as I ordered a pen from his now defunct Kustom Pens business (I say defunct as the site is gone) & I got the pen, I ordered a book from him and got that. I have never seen or heard anything bad about him until about August and now more and more people are coming forth with their tales of not getting what they bought. I was offered a refund btw, but it never came. I mean I truly thought we were friends beyond the forum - beyond models, but all these posts all telling the EXACT same thing - it just stinks.
Bryan, I thought we were friends, what the heck has happened? I hope you are well - whatever is going on in your life I hope you get it straigtened out.
On one hand I am angered and depressed by all these threads as it forces me to arrive to the conclusion that he ripped me off. On the other hand it just doesn't make sense as I ordered a pen from his now defunct Kustom Pens business (I say defunct as the site is gone) & I got the pen, I ordered a book from him and got that. I have never seen or heard anything bad about him until about August and now more and more people are coming forth with their tales of not getting what they bought. I was offered a refund btw, but it never came. I mean I truly thought we were friends beyond the forum - beyond models, but all these posts all telling the EXACT same thing - it just stinks.
Bryan, I thought we were friends, what the heck has happened? I hope you are well - whatever is going on in your life I hope you get it straigtened out.
kbm
Member Since: June 16, 2003
entire network: 678 Posts
KitMaker Network: 194 Posts
Posted: Wednesday, October 12, 2005 - 03:09 AM UTC
Just to put my two cents worth in here. I arranged to buy several kits and books from Bryan many months ago. They failed to arrive. Corresponded with him and he claimed they had been mailed and it was Canada Post's horrible service that was to blame. He said he would place an inquiry with them. He then agreed to refund my money, minus his alleged postage (about U.S. $10.00). This is apparently the same story many of these other people on other sites have. A great racket to make a few bucks off each failed transaction and the purchaser goes away thinking Bryan is an okay guy and does not post anything on the various websites. Even if Canada Post offers the worst service in the world, the number of people coming forward with lost by Canada Post explanations by Mr. Gray is too much of a coincidence for me.
Keith
Keith
smithery
Member Since: March 30, 2004
entire network: 289 Posts
KitMaker Network: 146 Posts
Posted: Wednesday, October 12, 2005 - 03:36 AM UTC
Just a couple of comments here. I have only dealt with Bryan once, but I will not defend him, as it was an in-person trade (we live in the same city). I will say however, that during that transaction, the communication was excellent, and everything went very smoothly. I have also found him to be very helpful during the research stage of my Sherman build.
For the folks in the US who are waiting for packages to arrive: the chances are very good that Bryan used Expedited Parcel USA to ship the goods. This is the cheaper service that Canada Post provides. That said, this service has online trace, and also includes $150Cdn worth of insurance. If Bryan has kept the receipts of his shipments (which he should have for cases like this), he should be able to run a trace on your package, and if it has not arrived, file a claim with Canada Post.
Keep in mind however, that as soon as it crosses the 49th parallel, the package is out of Canada Post's hands. That said, your package is still insured.
While Canada Post does indeed have it's downfalls (pricing comes to mind), their service is on par with other services. I've been able to send 100's of packages, and never had one 'go missing'. I was even able to recently get some parts over to Israel in 7 days. Even I was impressed.
Rant off.
EDIT: Due to a couple of emails and PM, let me say this: For the record, I will not get involved in your dealings with Bryan. Having only met him once, I do not feel qualified to contact him directly, and ask him to follow through on his deals and/or contact people he is dealing with. I do not have his phone number, nor will I look it up for you, so please do not ask me. Sorry to sound harsh, but my info about dealing with Bryan was only intended to be an FYI, and was in no way intended to be a defense of him, or his character. Thank you.
For the folks in the US who are waiting for packages to arrive: the chances are very good that Bryan used Expedited Parcel USA to ship the goods. This is the cheaper service that Canada Post provides. That said, this service has online trace, and also includes $150Cdn worth of insurance. If Bryan has kept the receipts of his shipments (which he should have for cases like this), he should be able to run a trace on your package, and if it has not arrived, file a claim with Canada Post.
Keep in mind however, that as soon as it crosses the 49th parallel, the package is out of Canada Post's hands. That said, your package is still insured.
While Canada Post does indeed have it's downfalls (pricing comes to mind), their service is on par with other services. I've been able to send 100's of packages, and never had one 'go missing'. I was even able to recently get some parts over to Israel in 7 days. Even I was impressed.
Rant off.
EDIT: Due to a couple of emails and PM, let me say this: For the record, I will not get involved in your dealings with Bryan. Having only met him once, I do not feel qualified to contact him directly, and ask him to follow through on his deals and/or contact people he is dealing with. I do not have his phone number, nor will I look it up for you, so please do not ask me. Sorry to sound harsh, but my info about dealing with Bryan was only intended to be an FYI, and was in no way intended to be a defense of him, or his character. Thank you.
Halfyank
Member Since: February 01, 2003
entire network: 5,221 Posts
KitMaker Network: 1,983 Posts
Posted: Wednesday, October 12, 2005 - 06:49 AM UTC
I decided a while back that I would only bring this up unless I saw a thread like this one. Now that is out in the open I'll relay this.
Back in March Bryan put a thread up that he had some kits to sell. I replied that I was interested in one, we agreed to terms, I paid via Pay Pal, and started to wait for my kit. Based on emails that I kept in my personal folder here Bryan said the kit went out on March 31. After three weeks waiting for a kit that Bryan himself said should only take 7 to 14 days I contacted him again. We agreed to let it go another week, then he'd ship me another one that he also had. We went the other week and he said he'd send it out. Honestly there was something he said that I didn't much care for, almost accusing me of doing something dishonest. I finally received the kit, about six weeks after it all started. I was less than pleased when I found not only had it been opened, but also partly started!
During this time I also had contact with another member on this board saying he was also having similar problem with Bryan. I won't mention his name because he's not one of those to respond here.
I can understand anybody having an off day. I don't expect perfection from anybody, and if it were a single incident then I'd be inclined to forgive and forget, but when there is a pattern, which there seems to be, I'm not ready to do that.
I do think there is an issue with Bryan. Other than my one incident I've got no problems with his behavior on this board, but I have serious reservations about ever doing any business with him again.
Red4
Member Since: April 01, 2002
entire network: 4,287 Posts
KitMaker Network: 824 Posts
Posted: Wednesday, October 12, 2005 - 06:57 AM UTC
Well, I was hoping it was another Bryan Gray instead of "ours", but I guess not. The one transaction I had with him was the same as what was posted on HS. I bought a book he was selling as he had two on hand. Money was sent, but the book never arrived. He offered a refund minus his shipping which I received, minus the pay-pal cut. It wasn't a whole lot of $$, but if it happened to several people, that little bit of $$ begins to add up. I hope this issues gets resolved for all parties involved. "Q"
rommel21cw
Member Since: July 05, 2005
entire network: 84 Posts
KitMaker Network: 16 Posts
Posted: Wednesday, October 12, 2005 - 07:14 AM UTC
I too have had a very similar problem with Bryan from when I ordered a resin set of BRDM wheels. He had very quick responses to all emails sent but after 2 months I still have not received the item. He did offer to send another set or give a refund but I did not take him up on it figuring the postal service was to blame rather than him but after hearing this many similar complaints I think I may see if that avenue is still open.
oldbean
Member Since: July 05, 2004
entire network: 769 Posts
KitMaker Network: 219 Posts
Posted: Wednesday, October 12, 2005 - 11:12 AM UTC
Well, at first I thought it was just my bad luck, but after all the posts it seems that we have a possible scammer here. He gave me the same excuse "I sent it, it must have gotten lost in the mail" When I enquired as to possibly tracking it he told me that the Canadian post office doesn't do that. After several emails, he agreed to split the difference and refund half my money (my idea, i didn't want him to feel ripped off. DOH!) Needless to say, this episode has really soured me on buying/trading with people through the mail.
Jesse
Jesse
Henk
Member Since: August 07, 2004
entire network: 6,391 Posts
KitMaker Network: 1,600 Posts
Posted: Wednesday, October 12, 2005 - 11:32 AM UTC
Well, first of all I would like to say that I'm saddened by this thread. As I stated before, my dealings with Bryan have been good, but it seems that something is going wrong quite badly.
As an aside to this, but prompted by some reactions, I don't think you should generalize matters.
There is always a risk involved when buying through the post... wether from an individual or an on-line shop.
The safest way is to buy in a shop, but that means paying top dollar, or being limited in your choice.
When you buy 'on-line', you should be prepared for the occassional hickup. I'm not defending rip-off merchants, just pointing out a reality.
The vast majority of 'on-line' traders ( either business or private) are honest, kosher people who will see the deal through.
Henk
As an aside to this, but prompted by some reactions, I don't think you should generalize matters.
Quoted Text
Needless to say, this episode has really soured me on buying/trading with people through the mail.
There is always a risk involved when buying through the post... wether from an individual or an on-line shop.
The safest way is to buy in a shop, but that means paying top dollar, or being limited in your choice.
When you buy 'on-line', you should be prepared for the occassional hickup. I'm not defending rip-off merchants, just pointing out a reality.
The vast majority of 'on-line' traders ( either business or private) are honest, kosher people who will see the deal through.
Henk
LouMasses
Member Since: March 11, 2002
entire network: 73 Posts
KitMaker Network: 11 Posts
Posted: Wednesday, October 12, 2005 - 11:59 AM UTC
I don't know this Bryan nor do I have any anymosity towards him, but just a suggestion to all of you whe feel you got scammed. I don't know about the Candian Post but I would think that like the US Post Office they have ways of dealing with this.
I know in the case of the US, a bunch of issues like this amounts to Postal Fraud (a federal offense) since he is taking money through the mail and supposedly shipping items.
Were I you (those who fell scammed) I would contact the Canadian Post and see if they can offer assistance in getting you money back At the very least if he is a scammer, he will be dealt with.
I know in the case of the US, a bunch of issues like this amounts to Postal Fraud (a federal offense) since he is taking money through the mail and supposedly shipping items.
Were I you (those who fell scammed) I would contact the Canadian Post and see if they can offer assistance in getting you money back At the very least if he is a scammer, he will be dealt with.
Vadster
Member Since: June 28, 2004
entire network: 987 Posts
KitMaker Network: 0 Posts
Posted: Wednesday, October 12, 2005 - 12:13 PM UTC
OK as far as I am concerned I did pm him - several times. The last peep out of him was on 8/23 when he said he considered me a friend and would pay me back. As everyone can plainly see there are some people who still have yet to get their goods. At my last count there has been some 20 odd people (from posts @ hyperscale, here, & ML) now who ALL have the same story. Coincidence? I don't think so. We have every right to state our cases / concerns here. The guy was a moderator here for crying out loud. I am deeply saddened by this as I have known (thought I knew) Bryan since 2001-02. Yet, I received no apology - there was no concern about the problem from his side just blame on Canada's postal service.
Something is very rotten here. Someone tell me that I am wrong here and that somehow 20 people all had their packages lost by Canada post all within the past 7 months, but only the ones sent by Bryan Gray could happen. This not the Bryan Gray that I have dealt with in the past, the Bryan I thought I knew, but I cannot look past my situation and how it matches perfectly with everyone else's.
This a person whom I have met personally, hugged, drank beer with and spent many nights talking about absolutely nothing and thoroughly enjoyed his company whether it be by email or in person. For some here and on other forums he is not some stranger who ripped off a bunch of people. That is what has me concerned the most.
Something is very rotten here. Someone tell me that I am wrong here and that somehow 20 people all had their packages lost by Canada post all within the past 7 months, but only the ones sent by Bryan Gray could happen. This not the Bryan Gray that I have dealt with in the past, the Bryan I thought I knew, but I cannot look past my situation and how it matches perfectly with everyone else's.
This a person whom I have met personally, hugged, drank beer with and spent many nights talking about absolutely nothing and thoroughly enjoyed his company whether it be by email or in person. For some here and on other forums he is not some stranger who ripped off a bunch of people. That is what has me concerned the most.
Mojo
Member Since: January 11, 2003
entire network: 1,339 Posts
KitMaker Network: 624 Posts
Posted: Wednesday, October 12, 2005 - 12:13 PM UTC
David
Although it may be unecesary, there are some that feel the need to vent.. I too have been on the poor end of dealing with Mr Gray for a camera that he was looking to sell. Sent what he asked for including a bit extra to cover shipping or insurance for the return.. Well it took 3 weeks for the money order to arrive in his hands, and that was sent in July I believe. We, my wife and I asked for a tracking number to which he replied that he couldnt find the reciept or it was in his desk at work and then couldnt find it at all...
Im still waiting for the camera. The few times we did speak, and I say few ,because I dont like to be bothersome we both agreed that Canada post had messed up. I said that its not really an issue, but he insisted that he always follows through on his dealings. He offered a dragon wagon in return. I did PM him a few weeks ago to finally say that I dont expect the camera and have not heard from him since.. This was around the time that he gave up his position here at Armorama..
I have done a few minor deals with some other members here, and those went off wonderfully. And I hope that this can and will continue. It is unfortunate that this has been going on.
I do hope that Mr Gray does come and defend himself. It seems there is a lot to answer to.
Dave
Although it may be unecesary, there are some that feel the need to vent.. I too have been on the poor end of dealing with Mr Gray for a camera that he was looking to sell. Sent what he asked for including a bit extra to cover shipping or insurance for the return.. Well it took 3 weeks for the money order to arrive in his hands, and that was sent in July I believe. We, my wife and I asked for a tracking number to which he replied that he couldnt find the reciept or it was in his desk at work and then couldnt find it at all...
Im still waiting for the camera. The few times we did speak, and I say few ,because I dont like to be bothersome we both agreed that Canada post had messed up. I said that its not really an issue, but he insisted that he always follows through on his dealings. He offered a dragon wagon in return. I did PM him a few weeks ago to finally say that I dont expect the camera and have not heard from him since.. This was around the time that he gave up his position here at Armorama..
I have done a few minor deals with some other members here, and those went off wonderfully. And I hope that this can and will continue. It is unfortunate that this has been going on.
I do hope that Mr Gray does come and defend himself. It seems there is a lot to answer to.
Dave
Mojo
Member Since: January 11, 2003
entire network: 1,339 Posts
KitMaker Network: 624 Posts
Posted: Wednesday, October 12, 2005 - 12:17 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Were I you (those who fell scammed) I would contact the Canadian Post and see if they can offer assistance in getting you money back At the very least if he is a scammer, he will be dealt with.
Lou,
I did contact Canada post and was told that without a tracking number or receipt number, there was nothing that they could do.
peacekeeper
Member Since: May 07, 2004
entire network: 715 Posts
KitMaker Network: 401 Posts
Posted: Wednesday, October 12, 2005 - 12:56 PM UTC
Seem like I'm not the only one feeling this way. I purchased 2 kits at HL during their 1/2 off sale. Boxed them up and sent them off only asking for some coffee in return. Supposedly the kits haven't arrived there yet, and the coffee sure hasn't arrived here (I need my Timmys).
Previous dealings with Bryan have proved agonizingly slow, but they were completed to the satisfaction of both of us.
I'm willing to wait a bit longer (it's been 2 months now) before condemning the man.
Just my $0.02 worth.
Previous dealings with Bryan have proved agonizingly slow, but they were completed to the satisfaction of both of us.
I'm willing to wait a bit longer (it's been 2 months now) before condemning the man.
Just my $0.02 worth.
Sundown
Member Since: April 28, 2002
entire network: 67 Posts
KitMaker Network: 0 Posts
Posted: Wednesday, October 12, 2005 - 03:00 PM UTC
here's another thread of people with the same story, however, the good thing is that most of these people received some form of compensation
http://www.network54.com/Forum/thread?forumid=47214&messageid=1126366099
http://www.network54.com/Forum/message-409173-1128884900-Bryan+GRAY+from+OTTAWA%
http://www.network54.com/Forum/thread?forumid=47214&messageid=1126366099
http://www.network54.com/Forum/message-409173-1128884900-Bryan+GRAY+from+OTTAWA%
11Charlie
#099
Member Since: March 04, 2004
entire network: 926 Posts
KitMaker Network: 329 Posts
Posted: Wednesday, October 12, 2005 - 06:34 PM UTC
Quoted Text
I decided a while back that I would only bring this up unless I saw a thread like this one. Now that is out in the open I'll relay this.
Back in March Bryan put a thread up that he had some kits to sell. I replied that I was interested in one, we agreed to terms, I paid via Pay Pal, and started to wait for my kit. Based on emails that I kept in my personal folder here Bryan said the kit went out on March 31. After three weeks waiting for a kit that Bryan himself said should only take 7 to 14 days I contacted him again. We agreed to let it go another week, then he'd ship me another one that he also had. We went the other week and he said he'd send it out. Honestly there was something he said that I didn't much care for, almost accusing me of doing something dishonest. I finally received the kit, about six weeks after it all started. I was less than pleased when I found not only had it been opened, but also partly started!
During this time I also had contact with another member on this board saying he was also having similar problem with Bryan. I won't mention his name because he's not one of those to respond here.
I can understand anybody having an off day. I don't expect perfection from anybody, and if it were a single incident then I'd be inclined to forgive and forget, but when there is a pattern, which there seems to be, I'm not ready to do that.
I do think there is an issue with Bryan. Other than my one incident I've got no problems with his behavior on this board, but I have serious reservations about ever doing any business with him again.
I'm the other member Halfyank is referring to. I too got the "slow Canadian Postal system" as an excuse, so I gave it another couple weeks, but still didn't received my kit. This was after he told me he put another one in the mail since I hadn't received the first one allegedly mailed. I too was practically accused of having lied about not receiving the kit, which didn't sit well with me any better than it did with Halfyank, especially since I'm a police officer.
I had hoped I was one of only a few to have had a negative experience with him, but it sure seems like their coming out of the woodwork now, and they all sound very similar in MO.
I had hoped my instincts were wrong, but I don't think I was far off the mark, if at all, especially with all this "circumstancial" evidence mounting up. There's just too many coincidences surrounding all this.
I too had paid through Paypal (thank God) and was offered and accepted a full refund, which I honestly don't think I would have gotten had I not confronted Bryan about it.
Kinda makes one wonder why his callsign is "Ex-Royal"...
 |
WEB HOSTING BY
Copyright ©2021 KitMaker Network and Kitmaker Network, a subsidiary of Silver Star Enterprises
All Rights Reserved. Please read our Conditions of Use and Privacy Policy.
All Rights Reserved. Please read our Conditions of Use and Privacy Policy.