Purchased a Western Hermann Tortoise

[GG3]

Hi,

I purchased a Western in June from Garden State. Chris was very responsive when I was questioning about the purchase but once I sent the money via Venmo. Now I cannot get a response, I’ve tried several times and have heard nothing. I am wondering if anyone received their Western or had any type of response on a time line of receiving your tort if you are in a similar situation. I’ve read a few similar threads but they are from a few years ago. Thank you in advance for responding.

 

[RandyTortoise]

Hi,

I purchased a Western in June from Garden State. Chris was very responsive when I was questioning about the purchase but once I sent the money via Venmo. Now I cannot get a response, I’ve tried several times and have heard nothing. I am wondering if anyone received their Western or had any type of response on a time line of receiving your tort if you are in a similar situation. I’ve read a few similar threads but they are from a few years ago. Thank you in advance for responding.

I haven’t bought anything from them. When I open their website there is no link to buy tortoises. What did you do, email them?

 

[GG3]

I haven’t bought anything from them. When I open their website there is no link to buy tortoises. What did you do, email them?
They have a contact link on their site. They also can be contacted through their Website Hermanni Haven. So I reached out that way and Chris emailed me back. About the price and how to pay.

 

[144 Grandpa Turtle]

So where is the tortoise

 

[ozzybaby17]

Yes I sent a deposit for a dalmatian hermans tortoise in May and received our tortoise the last week of July. I reached out the third week of July and heard back promptly about arranging shipping and delivery the same day.

 

[GG3]

So where is the tortoise

They are located in New Jersey I am in Utah. I am not sure if I am just on a waiting list and maybe they aren’t ready to ship. I just wish I knew something. I am sure they are super busy but just a response would be nice.

 

[GG3]

Yes I sent a deposit for a dalmatian hermans tortoise in May and received our tortoise the last week of July. I reached out the third week of July and heard back promptly about arranging shipping and delivery the same day.

Thank you. I am not sure when the Westerns hatched I was under the impression we would receive the tort in August and while it is August I just want to know when we might get him/her I also paid in full to make sure we were guaranteed a Tortoise, he said he would accept a deposit but people who pay in full get theirs first.

 

[ozzybaby17]

Thank you. I am not sure when the Westerns hatched I was under the impression we would receive the tort in August and while it is August I just want to know when we might get him/her I also paid in full to make sure we were guaranteed a Tortoise, he said he would accept a deposit but people who pay in full get theirs first.

I totally get it, I was so anxious to meet our baby and they are absolutely wonderful in every way. I also payed in full, and Chris told me they were planning on shipping the dalmatians the last week of July. Did he give you a timeline that was more specific then just August?

 

[GG3]

I totally get it, I was so anxious to meet our baby and they are absolutely wonderful in every way. I also payed in full, and Chris told me they were planning on shipping the dalmatians the last week of July. Did he give you a timeline that was more specific then just August?

The email just said they will be sent out in August but didn’t say when in August. I am glad to hear everything went well with your order so I will try to be more patient. You are exactly right I am super anxious and want to do everything right.

 

[COmtnLady]

I would try ONE more time to communicate with them, explaining their COMPLETE lack of cordial communication is causing you extreme stress. That because of their lack of communication, you are worried the hatchling will be sent without you knowing how, when, and where it is happening - which could easily kill this tortoise. Be sure to include the timeline and a short bulletpoint explanations of your efforts vs their responses.

Then if they don't start treating you like a valued customer, I would demand my money back - or go directly to Venmo and ask them to get your money back with a list of the timeline, your efforts for clarity, GST's lack of adequate communication, and your concerns, culminating in you wanting to take your business elsewhere.

Even with their prior good reputation, things may have changed. Did they clarify even an approximate date for you to be ready for? A month is too vague.

Then find a breeder through TF, hopefully so you won't have to go through this again.

 

[GG3]

I totally get it, I was so anxious to meet our baby and they are absolutely wonderful in every way. I also payed in full, and Chris told me they were planning on shipping the dalmatians the last week of July. Did he give you a timeline that was more specific then just August?

The email doesn’t say when in August so I need to be more patient. You are right we are super anxious and want everything to go smoothly. I’m sure they are super busy and get a lot of requests.

 

[GG3]

I would try ONE more time to communicate with them, explaining their COMPLETE lack of cordial communication is causing you extreme stress. That because of their lack of communication, you are worried the hatchling will be sent without you knowing how, when, and where it is happening - which could easily kill this tortoise. Be sure to include the timeline and a short bulletpoint explanations of your efforts vs their responses.

Then if they don't start treating you like a valued customer, I would demand my money back - or go directly to Venmo and ask them to get your money back with a list of the timeline, your efforts for clarity, GST's lack of adequate communication, and your concerns, culminating in you wanting to take your business elsewhere.

Even with their prior good reputation, things may have changed. Did they clarify even an approximate date for you to be ready for? A month is too vague.

Then find a breeder through TF, hopefully so you won't have to go through this again.

 

[GG3]

Thank you. I think that is my biggest worry making sure I am here when delivered. I also sent a message through Venmo to see if he would respond through them.

 

[jaizei]

I would try ONE more time to communicate with them, explaining their COMPLETE lack of cordial communication is causing you extreme stress. That because of their lack of communication, you are worried the hatchling will be sent without you knowing how, when, and where it is happening - which could easily kill this tortoise. Be sure to include the timeline and a short bulletpoint explanations of your efforts vs their responses.

Then if they don't start treating you like a valued customer, I would demand my money back - or go directly to Venmo and ask them to get your money back with a list of the timeline, your efforts for clarity, GST's lack of adequate communication, and your concerns, culminating in you wanting to take your business elsewhere.

Even with their prior good reputation, things may have changed. Did they clarify even an approximate date for you to be ready for? A month is too vague.

Then find a breeder through TF, hopefully so you won't have to go through this again.

The number of times similar situations have been posted, prompt attention before payment then little to no communication, has changed my opinion of them. Honestly, it's not hard to keep the already-paid customer informed, esp when you're posting to social media everyday. Would think the priorities should be the opposite.

 

[GG3]

The number of times similar situations have been posted, prompt attention before payment then little to no communication, has changed my opinion of them. Honestly, it's not hard to keep the already-paid customer informed, esp when you're posting to social media everyday. Would think the priorities should be the opposite.

I’ve read the threads that I can find about similar situations so I actually feel a little better. I was starting to wonder if it was a fraud situation. Thank you so much to everyone responding, I really appreciate the feedback! I love this forum it has so much information!

 

[HoosierTort]

Hi,

I purchased a Western in June from Garden State. Chris was very responsive when I was questioning about the purchase but once I sent the money via Venmo. Now I cannot get a response, I’ve tried several times and have heard nothing. I am wondering if anyone received their Western or had any type of response on a time line of receiving your tort if you are in a similar situation. I’ve read a few similar threads but they are from a few years ago. Thank you in advance for responding.

I’ll get ahold of Chris today and let him know you’re trying to get ahold of him. I know he has been really busy the past few weeks.
Trust me, this is nothing personal or shady. He just gets swarmed at times.

 

[GG3]

I’ll get ahold of Chris today and let him know you’re trying to get ahold of him. I know he has been really busy the past few weeks.
Trust me, this is nothing personal or shady. He just gets swarmed at times.

Thank you so much! I appreciate that. I can’t believe how wonderful everyone is on this forum. I am so glad such an amazing resource is available.

 

[144 Grandpa Turtle]

I’ll get ahold of Chris today and let him know you’re trying to get ahold of him. I know he has been really busy the past few weeks.
Trust me, this is nothing personal or shady. He just gets swarmed at times.

How are you too busy for your customers

 

[HoosierTort]

How are you too busy for your customers

You must remember what it’s like having kids, right “Grandpa”? Do you think Chris and Casey can make a living just selling turtles and tortoises? So between multiple jobs, kids, nonprofit work, and making videos for our collective enjoyment, yeah he is a little busy.
Is he the absolute best at getting back with folks all the time? No.
Am I the absolute best at getting back with folks? Nope!!
Maybe try having a little more grace….?

 

[Rock-y]

I got a western from them as well. They might not know exactly when they will ship out, as they are making Sure they are healthy and ready for the shipping process before they send them out. Depending on when you put a request in you might be waiting in line as they are one the best places to get a Tort. I know they have back off doing forums such as this as they don't have time. I would say give them time. If it makes you feel better you can email them again and just ask for an update.