<< <i>I'm surprised you guys buying these sets didn't insist on registered insured. I notice from my dealings with the post office the clerks tend to learn who is buying and selling coins. >>
My postman says that every postal worker/clerk has been indoctrinated to respect and revere Registered mail packages.
They know that if they are involved in a registered mail screwup, their job is on the line....PERIOD!!
Any coin over $500 should go Registered IMHO.
Not to mention, the insurance is a lot cheaper than Priority Mail.
As to the mail question, I've been using express mail lately for packages in the $1.5k to $5k range. it doesn't sit around long enough to be a security concern as evidenced by the good insurance rates. Getting a lot of goodwill from customers. --Jerry
<< <i>I had bought a bunch of these sets at a great price months ago prior to the US Mint selling out of them. I held on to them for a few months and then platinum started dropping like a bomb. I got scared and then started listing them on ebay with a price that I thought was fair. I am not a member of facts or cce and in hindsight should have been and would have known they sell for way more than issue price at the mint even when platinum dropped alot. Mitch if I had known they were $3,000 sets I would have sold you every one! I'm serious.
I shipped the sets priority mail insured. As I figured they would get there fast and have to be signed for. I had two packages go missing last week....ok I refunded the money out of my pocket and started working on a postal claim. All of a sudden a ton of people start e-mailing and wonder where the sets are. Now I am freaking out! I stand behind my product and will give everyone refunds asap if the packages are stolen. I believe it is someone at my local post office and will be contacting the denver police and postal inspectors, not just turn in the claims at the local post office.
<< <i>Something's still up. Why would he give a refund short $85? >>
Because all I had in my paypal for a instant payment was $2,000. I didnt want him to be scared with a transfer from my checking and have to wait. I was going to paypal the rest monday when I have more money in there.
My account was not hijacked and I will make this right for everyone even if it ruins my business that I have so hard tried to make. The guy who gave a neg got a refund prior to the neg.
Cameron Kiefer >>
Cameron, I didn't think it was hijacked, nor did I think you were doing anything hinky. Glad it wasn't but very sad this is happening to you. Too many people want to throw stones or pose posts as questioning when they are in fact fingerpointing.
I hope your packages are recovered and you are made whole as well, especially since you are making the buyers whole.
Is this "vazenterprises" a forum member? I have seen that alias before and it appears some forum members have bought from him.....
I don't know why you are asking but I've done deals with vazenterprises before successfully. IIRC, it was some sealed 06 plat sets I bought from him. No, he isn't a forum member that I know of. Just offering this info if it is any help. --Jerry
<< <i>I don't know why you are asking but I've done deals with vazenterprises before successfully. IIRC, it was some sealed 06 plat sets I bought from him. No, he isn't a forum member that I know of. Just offering this info if it is any help. --Jerry >>
Simple...
Look at who gave the neg to Cam when Cam says it was after the refund. That was vazenterprises. So, looks like he was snippy or someone on this board (going by a number of negative/attack posters).
<< <i>Faust is vazenterprises, he's been here since 2001.
Tony is a great Great Guy, I've bought 3-4 times from him.
I suggest you read thru the thread before you comment, Boc.
"Poor" Cameron has been non-responsive to his customers. >>
I wouldn't say he's been completely non-responsive... He was very quick to answer my emails and he refunded me $2000 last night. >>
Yes, he's been fast to refund when cornered but hasn't answered any questions except a BS story about the Post Office. At times good sellers go bad when pushed against a wall.
<< I had bought a bunch of these sets at a great price months ago prior to the US Mint selling out of them. I held on to them for a few months and then platinum started dropping like a bomb. I got scared and then started listing them on ebay with a price that I thought was fair. I am not a member of facts or cce and in hindsight should have been and would have known they sell for way more than issue price at the mint even when platinum dropped alot. Mitch if I had known they were $3,000 sets I would have sold you every one! I'm serious.
I shipped the sets priority mail insured. As I figured they would get there fast and have to be signed for. I had two packages go missing last week....ok I refunded the money out of my pocket and started working on a postal claim. All of a sudden a ton of people start e-mailing and wonder where the sets are. Now I am freaking out! I stand behind my product and will give everyone refunds asap if the packages are stolen. I believe it is someone at my local post office and will be contacting the denver police and postal inspectors, not just turn in the claims at the local post office.
<< Something's still up. Why would he give a refund short $85? >>
Because all I had in my paypal for a instant payment was $2,000. I didnt want him to be scared with a transfer from my checking and have to wait. I was going to paypal the rest monday when I have more money in there.
My account was not hijacked and I will make this right for everyone even if it ruins my business that I have so hard tried to make. The guy who gave a neg got a refund prior to the neg.
Cameron Kiefer >>
The statement in bold type is from me. I wasn't fingerpointing in any way, shape or form when I questioned the less than 100% refund. I was simply thinking 'hijacked acct', and shenanigans were being played. I made no negative or derogatory comment whatsoever...as a matter of fact, I gave Cam 100% benefit of the doubt, going so far as to call Cam out as one of the good guys that just wouldn't/couldn't do something underhanded like this, not intentionally, which is why I thought hijacked acct. As I said, I have never dealt with, nor communicated with Cam in any way. Having lurked for an abnormally long time, I read his posts, his replies, watched him grow into one of, and ultimately become, part the future of this hobby. Who here doesn't remember when Cam officially became a professional coin grader, when ICG knocked on his door? Can anyone here that was around even before Cam became a grader, honestly think he would do anything remotely close to what SOME here seem to be accusing him of?
I just had to set the record straight, as my comment, which seems to have been taken the wrong way, was in no way accusatory in a negative way towards Cam. It's pretty obvious that I backed Cam, and even gave props to him, just knowing he wouldn't ruin his still blossoming career as a professional numismatist.....one that will make a major, positive impact on this hobby.
edited to add: I am simply not a stone thrower, fingerpointer, etc.
And the "sampleslab" auctions in question run from Dec 14 through Dec 20.
I don't see any "hobbytreasure" auctions for plat proofs in December. I do see one auction for plat uncircs on Dec-14. Is that what you mean? Not quite the same item...
But lifting images that are not yours is kind of sleazy.
What makes no sense to me is that "sampleslab" can obviously take photos.
So why not take ones own photos of the plat proofs?
I was right......train wreck. Looks like a pretty high body count by the time the dust settles. I dont know what to think now....alleged stolen images, no response to that. I just can't believe that it's looking this bad for Cam. Still not pointing fingers or throwing stones, but now...... just don't know what to think.
I used that image in one of my first auctions. I should never have done that and realised it after he sent me a message. I appologised and stopped immediately. Again I am sorry BlueBeesHobbies. I then used US Mint pictures as many people seemed to do the same with SAE's, proof sets, etc since they are bullion and the picture is clearer. Last week I started another auction and I must have pulled up the older auction with that image. It was a complete mistake.
Again, I never intended to defraud anyone. I am going to be calling the USPS this morning and talking to my local postmaster this afternoon for the lost packages. Every buyer that packages seem to be lost is getting a complete refund this week and I will do everything in my power to make them happy.
no problem, man.If you would have asked I would of said it'd fine to use it.It's just makes you alittle made when people just take them.I hope you get your post office stuff in order.Laters
The entire series of events does not reflect well on you. You have had a sterling reputation in the past. It would be helpful if you could show/ prove that there is a postal claim on the lost packages. It appears that you only lost items that you sold too cheap with hijacked images. Buyers of these items don't know if you ever had these items or even shipped them as there is no tracking information. It's positive that you are refunding the money but the buyers would prefer the coins. Were you making sales prior to buying the merchandise. Were other packages lost for items that weren't sold too cheap? You don't have to answer to anyone, but your reputation is on the line. Transparency will benefit you in the long run...
Post office is pretty good at not losing your items.I shipped many 1000's of packages and only had one lost,I think person got it but was lying for a free hotwheel car.My wife works there so any of my issues better get priority attention,lol
Is this "vazenterprises" a forum member? I have seen that alias before and it appears some forum members have bought from him..... >>
Just to clarify, I am not Vazenterprises mentioned previously in this thread. My Ebay ID is Faust5. I bought one of the sets on November 11th. I did leave positive feedback since he communicated with me and gave a full refund. -Tony
Cameron has also offered to smooth the waters with me...so let's not go turning a photo issue into something larger.
I've also been known to snatch medium distance stock images from third parties for some auctions because my digital camera refuses to image coins well...and I've never had an unhappy customer yet.
I will not be posting insurance info since there will be an ongoing USPS investigation.
As far as it stands now it look like 5-6 sets are missing in the mail. Every person will be getting a refund and the remaining sets in the mail we will have to wait and see.
I have learned many lessons from this and I will make my business better because of it.
<< <i>I used that image in one of my first auctions. I should never have done that and realised it after he sent me a message. I appologised and stopped immediately. Again I am sorry BlueBeesHobbies. I then used US Mint pictures as many people seemed to do the same with SAE's, proof sets, etc since they are bullion and the picture is clearer. Last week I started another auction and I must have pulled up the older auction with that image. It was a complete mistake. Again, I never intended to defraud anyone. I am going to be calling the USPS this morning and talking to my local postmaster this afternoon for the lost packages. Every buyer that packages seem to be lost is getting a complete refund this week and I will do everything in my power to make them happy. Cameron Kiefer >>
You used the US Mint Pictures first and then went to the stolen BlueBeesHobbies image.
The stolen Image seals the deal for me. You wanted to make the Auctions look more legit with a real photo of at least one set. That is premeditation in my book.
I think he was selling sets he didn't have. Perhaps even planning to reimburse everyone and getting paid back from the USPS. That said, he suddenly was facing emails for the non-delivered product and he snapped back out of his fantasy. He got cold feet and has come to his senses and is trying to crawl back. In reality, Post Office 'Claims' or not, he is on the hook for the cash to pay everyone back. He will have to come up with near $30K before he ever gets a dime from the Post Office, (if he ever does.)
He is getting too much slack on the Board, as far as I am concerned.
Cameron has committed Numismatic Suicide in plain view of the Board and every one of his defenders needs to stand back away from the 'spray'
My work here, is done for the day. Back to making a real living.
Until then I for one can only assume the worst.................. Either you never had the coins or you realized your error in selling too cheap and are now scrambling to cancel/negate auctions.
<<Cameron has committed Numismatic Suicide in plain view of the Board and every one of his defenders needs to stand back away from the 'spray'>>
Whoa whoa whoa...no reason to leap 20 steps ahead and go here...
So far, Cameron seems to be trying to level the playing field with all affected parties (including me) and has not taken any eBay feeback hits in addition to the first one on Saturday...which has also been subsequently dealt with and dialed back.
This IS someone's reputation we're dealing with...and many here seem to know him longer than me...so what's up with the immediate hatchet job?!?
C'mon now, guys...bad things can and do happen to good people...and bad people don't generally start issuing refunds quickly.
<<Yeah..Yeah...they knew Maddoff, too. For years! Such a good guy.>>
Except that I don't recall Maddoff returning ANY money...do you?
And how do you explain the following positive feedback for an identical completed sale earlier this month: Good seller. Good communications. Honest. ibinco ( 293) Dec-13-08 11:03 2008-W PLATINUM EAGLE 4 COIN PROOF SET WITH COA (#290273520925) US $2,150.00 View Item
My point is...let's just give this some time to settle.
How would we know there are so many lost or otherwise missing sets? Seems a little soon if mailed recently. I've had some recent priority insured packages take 9-10 days for delivery even though it says 2-3 day. It is a busy time of year for the usps and some of these sales were too recent to suddenly be deemed lost or stolen...
My take on this is that $2000+ items should always be send Registered Mail, unless you are big enough to have private insurance like Heritage. And another point is that why sent items from the same Post Office even after there seem to be a problem?
Coin Collector, Chicken Owner, Licensed Tax Preparer & Insurance Broker/Agent. San Diego, CA
<< <i>I will not be posting insurance info since there will be an ongoing USPS investigation.
Cameron Kiefer >>
That is BS............
You can block out name and part of number. One photo of a few INS stubs with correct dates and $2000 amounts will stop all this speculation until then........................
Comments
<< <i>I'm surprised you guys buying these sets didn't insist on registered insured. I notice from my dealings with the post office the clerks tend to learn who is buying and selling coins. >>
My postman says that every postal worker/clerk has been indoctrinated to respect and revere Registered mail packages.
They know that if they are involved in a registered mail screwup, their job is on the line....PERIOD!!
Any coin over $500 should go Registered IMHO.
Not to mention, the insurance is a lot cheaper than Priority Mail.
Good luck, Cammie!!!
LOL.
<< <i>I had bought a bunch of these sets at a great price months ago prior to the US Mint selling out of them. I held on to them for a few months and then platinum started dropping like a bomb. I got scared and then started listing them on ebay with a price that I thought was fair. I am not a member of facts or cce and in hindsight should have been and would have known they sell for way more than issue price at the mint even when platinum dropped alot. Mitch if I had known they were $3,000 sets I would have sold you every one! I'm serious.
I shipped the sets priority mail insured. As I figured they would get there fast and have to be signed for. I had two packages go missing last week....ok I refunded the money out of my pocket and started working on a postal claim. All of a sudden a ton of people start e-mailing and wonder where the sets are. Now I am freaking out! I stand behind my product and will give everyone refunds asap if the packages are stolen. I believe it is someone at my local post office and will be contacting the denver police and postal inspectors, not just turn in the claims at the local post office.
<< <i>Something's still up. Why would he give a refund short $85? >>
Because all I had in my paypal for a instant payment was $2,000. I didnt want him to be scared with a transfer from my checking and have to wait. I was going to paypal the rest monday when I have more money in there.
My account was not hijacked and I will make this right for everyone even if it ruins my business that I have so hard tried to make. The guy who gave a neg got a refund prior to the neg.
Cameron Kiefer >>
Cameron, I didn't think it was hijacked, nor did I think you were doing anything hinky. Glad it wasn't but very sad this is happening to you.
Too many people want to throw stones or pose posts as questioning when they are in fact fingerpointing.
I hope your packages are recovered and you are made whole as well, especially since you are making the buyers whole.
Is this "vazenterprises" a forum member? I have seen that alias before and it appears some forum members have bought from him.....
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
<< <i>Not to mention the fact that he has single handedly depressed the resale values of the new Kings of the APE Proof series!
How in the world can Mr Kiefer be so out of touch with these? >>
He just told you! Duh!!!!
He has a few things on his mind and is quite busy. Sure, he left money on the table but that is his business, no one else's.
Gotta love the positive posters around here who just like to dogpile on someone who is obviously down
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
<< <i>I don't know why you are asking but I've done deals with vazenterprises before successfully. IIRC, it was some sealed 06 plat sets I bought from him. No, he isn't a forum member that I know of. Just offering this info if it is any help. --Jerry >>
Simple...
Look at who gave the neg to Cam when Cam says it was after the refund. That was vazenterprises.
So, looks like he was snippy or someone on this board (going by a number of negative/attack posters).
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
commoncents123, JrGMan2004, Coll3ctor (2), Dabigkahuna, BAJJERFAN, Boom, GRANDAM, newsman, cohodk, kklambo, seateddime, ajia, mirabela, Weather11am, keepdachange, gsa1fan, cone10
-------------------------
Tony is a great Great Guy, I've bought 3-4 times from him.
I suggest you read thru the thread before you comment, Boc.
"Poor" Cameron has been non-responsive to his customers.
<< <i>Faust is vazenterprises, he's been here since 2001.
Tony is a great Great Guy, I've bought 3-4 times from him.
I suggest you read thru the thread before you comment, Boc.
"Poor" Cameron has been non-responsive to his customers. >>
I wouldn't say he's been completely non-responsive... He was very quick to answer my emails and he refunded me $2000 last night.
<< <i>
<< <i>Faust is vazenterprises, he's been here since 2001.
Tony is a great Great Guy, I've bought 3-4 times from him.
I suggest you read thru the thread before you comment, Boc.
"Poor" Cameron has been non-responsive to his customers. >>
I wouldn't say he's been completely non-responsive... He was very quick to answer my emails and he refunded me $2000 last night. >>
Yes, he's been fast to refund when cornered but hasn't answered any questions except a BS story about the Post Office. At times good sellers go bad when pushed against a wall.
I shipped the sets priority mail insured. As I figured they would get there fast and have to be signed for. I had two packages go missing last week....ok I refunded the money out of my pocket and started working on a postal claim. All of a sudden a ton of people start e-mailing and wonder where the sets are. Now I am freaking out! I stand behind my product and will give everyone refunds asap if the packages are stolen. I believe it is someone at my local post office and will be contacting the denver police and postal inspectors, not just turn in the claims at the local post office.
<< Something's still up. Why would he give a refund short $85? >>
Because all I had in my paypal for a instant payment was $2,000. I didnt want him to be scared with a transfer from my checking and have to wait. I was going to paypal the rest monday when I have more money in there.
My account was not hijacked and I will make this right for everyone even if it ruins my business that I have so hard tried to make. The guy who gave a neg got a refund prior to the neg.
Cameron Kiefer >>
The statement in bold type is from me. I wasn't fingerpointing in any way, shape or form when I questioned the less than 100% refund. I was simply thinking 'hijacked acct', and shenanigans were being played. I made no negative or derogatory comment whatsoever...as a matter of fact, I gave Cam 100% benefit of the doubt, going so far as to call Cam out as one of the good guys that just wouldn't/couldn't do something underhanded like this, not intentionally, which is why I thought hijacked acct. As I said, I have never dealt with, nor communicated with Cam in any way. Having lurked for an abnormally long time, I read his posts, his replies, watched him grow into one of, and ultimately become, part the future of this hobby. Who here doesn't remember when Cam officially became a professional coin grader, when ICG knocked on his door? Can anyone here that was around even before Cam became a grader, honestly think he would do anything remotely close to what SOME here seem to be accusing him of?
I just had to set the record straight, as my comment, which seems to have been taken the wrong way, was in no way accusatory in a negative way towards Cam. It's pretty obvious that I backed Cam, and even gave props to him, just knowing he wouldn't ruin his still blossoming career as a professional numismatist.....one that will make a major, positive impact on this hobby.
edited to add: I am simply not a stone thrower, fingerpointer, etc.
<< <i>the picture from those $2150 sets was stolen from my auction.Thats my granite in background. >>
An accusation like that had better be backed up with proof.
180315669846
Are you Hobbytreasure?
Lots of folks have granite countertops.
On the other hand, "sampleslab" usually uses a white background, sometimes wood. Only the platinums have a single image with a granite background.
Unless someone can produce an original image, this means nothing. No proof here yet. (except for platinum proofs. Har har)
What a long, strange thread it's been.
Don't see one here?
Looks to me that "poor" Cameron has a lot of Explaining to Do.
He goes from using a US Mint Stock to stealing your Image?
Yeah.....sure
--Jerry
That looks like proof of 'imagejacking' to me.
My oh my.
Notice that when one is selling a set one doesn't OWN or have to deliver, $2,150 is even a better price
Not going to look good on the Police Academy Background Check.....
And the "sampleslab" auctions in question run from Dec 14 through Dec 20.
I don't see any "hobbytreasure" auctions for plat proofs in December.
I do see one auction for plat uncircs on Dec-14. Is that what you mean? Not quite the same item...
But lifting images that are not yours is kind of sleazy.
What makes no sense to me is that "sampleslab" can obviously take photos.
So why not take ones own photos of the plat proofs?
...
Can it be any simpler to know what has gone on?
Unless one plans on disappearing soon, I don't see how one could keep gains from a product that was never delivered.
Not with PayPal refunds, credit card chargebacks and the lack of proof of delivery.
So, although there is evidence that looks bad here, i'm not certain what I believe.
One thing...stealing photos...that is not good in my book. I suppose other folks feel less severe about that issue.
Time will tell.
[edit] 200+
Again, I never intended to defraud anyone. I am going to be calling the USPS this morning and talking to my local postmaster this afternoon for the lost packages. Every buyer that packages seem to be lost is getting a complete refund this week and I will do everything in my power to make them happy.
Cameron Kiefer
The entire series of events does not reflect well on you. You have had a sterling reputation in the past. It would be helpful if you could show/ prove that there is a postal claim on the lost packages. It appears that you only lost items that you sold too cheap with hijacked images. Buyers of these items don't know if you ever had these items or even shipped them as there is no tracking information. It's positive that you are refunding the money but the buyers would prefer the coins. Were you making sales prior to buying the merchandise. Were other packages lost for items that weren't sold too cheap? You don't have to answer to anyone, but your reputation is on the line. Transparency will benefit you in the long run...
Is this "vazenterprises" a forum member? I have seen that alias before and it appears some forum members have bought from him..... >>
Just to clarify, I am not Vazenterprises mentioned previously in this thread. My Ebay ID is Faust5.
I bought one of the sets on November 11th.
I did leave positive feedback since he communicated with me
and gave a full refund.
-Tony
Cameron has also offered to smooth the waters with me...so let's not go turning a photo issue into something larger.
I've also been known to snatch medium distance stock images from third parties for some auctions because my digital camera refuses to image coins well...and I've never had an unhappy customer yet.
Thanks,
Rich
As far as it stands now it look like 5-6 sets are missing in the mail. Every person will be getting a refund and the remaining sets in the mail we will have to wait and see.
I have learned many lessons from this and I will make my business better because of it.
Cameron Kiefer
<< <i>I used that image in one of my first auctions. I should never have done that and realised it after he sent me a message. I appologised and stopped immediately. Again I am sorry BlueBeesHobbies. I then used US Mint pictures as many people seemed to do the same with SAE's, proof sets, etc since they are bullion and the picture is clearer. Last week I started another auction and I must have pulled up the older auction with that image. It was a complete mistake. Again, I never intended to defraud anyone. I am going to be calling the USPS this morning and talking to my local postmaster this afternoon for the lost packages. Every buyer that packages seem to be lost is getting a complete refund this week and I will do everything in my power to make them happy. Cameron Kiefer >>
You used the US Mint Pictures first and then went to the stolen BlueBeesHobbies image.
You had better get the story straight.
First the Mint, then the Stolen Image
The stolen Image seals the deal for me. You wanted to make the Auctions look more legit with a real photo of at least one set. That is premeditation in my book.
I think he was selling sets he didn't have. Perhaps even planning to reimburse everyone and getting paid back from the USPS. That said, he suddenly was facing emails for the non-delivered product and he snapped back out of his fantasy. He got cold feet and has come to his senses and is trying to crawl back. In reality, Post Office 'Claims' or not, he is on the hook for the cash to pay everyone back. He will have to come up with near $30K before he ever gets a dime from the Post Office, (if he ever does.)
He is getting too much slack on the Board, as far as I am concerned.
Cameron has committed Numismatic Suicide in plain view of the Board and every one of his defenders needs to stand back away from the 'spray'
My work here, is done for the day. Back to making a real living.
You can block out 1/2 of the number and name.
Until then I for one can only assume the worst..................
Either you never had the coins or you realized your error in selling too cheap and are now scrambling to cancel/negate auctions.
Whoa whoa whoa...no reason to leap 20 steps ahead and go here...
So far, Cameron seems to be trying to level the playing field with all affected parties (including me) and has not taken any eBay feeback hits in addition to the first one on Saturday...which has also been subsequently dealt with and dialed back.
This IS someone's reputation we're dealing with...and many here seem to know him longer than me...so what's up with the immediate hatchet job?!?
C'mon now, guys...bad things can and do happen to good people...and bad people don't generally start issuing refunds quickly.
You are only as good as your last deal and 13-14 of them are bad.
Its a different world we live in now.
<<Yeah..Yeah...they knew Maddoff, too. For years! Such a good guy.>>
Except that I don't recall Maddoff returning ANY money...do you?
And how do you explain the following positive feedback for an identical completed sale earlier this month:
Good seller. Good communications. Honest. ibinco ( 293) Dec-13-08 11:03
2008-W PLATINUM EAGLE 4 COIN PROOF SET WITH COA (#290273520925) US $2,150.00 View Item
My point is...let's just give this some time to settle.
San Diego, CA
<< <i>I will not be posting insurance info since there will be an ongoing USPS investigation.
Cameron Kiefer >>
That is BS............
You can block out name and part of number.
One photo of a few INS stubs with correct dates and $2000 amounts will stop all this speculation until then........................