Submitted by Dan Sheehan on 11/19/1998. ( dsheehan@westminsterresearch.com )
I am a beginner as far as being a purchaser/consumer of taxidermy. I had a fish mounted w/ Gray Taxidermy of FL - it was quite costly but I am assuming they do nice work so I have no problem paying the price of the mount, as well as the crating charges. For background, the fish is a barracuda,42". The dimensions of the crating package are 60" long, 14"wide, & 36"high (40 lbs.) The mount price was $407, which is fine by me. They also charged $118 for crating / packaging, which is OK as well. What I had a problem with was their attempt to charge $225 to ship the package from FL to NY. I can't see as a reasonable person that it could possibly even approach costing that much to ship this item and that they must be charging an obscene markup. I told them to hold the package and that I would attempt to find my own carrier to transport it. However, I have run into difficulties finding a carrier. UPS has told me they don't ship taxidermy, as has DHL. I looked at FedEx, their web site quoted $134.00. Does anyone have any comments or suggestions as to: 1. Is $225 to ship this package in the market price range, or am I being had? 2. Does anyone know of a company I might contact to pick up & deliver this item? 3. Is it worth it to shop around as far as shipping? Any response appreciated. Thanks DS
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This response submitted by John Bellucci on 11/19/1998. ( ArtistExpr@aol.com )
Hello Dan
If the package (crate) is oversize for the many "smaller" delivery firms, UPS, Fed-Ex, etc., than it must be shipped by one of the larger freight carriers.
As to the decision of the carriers in question to deny a taxidermy piece for delivery, unfortunately this is their decision. It is quite possible they may have had some poor experience with taxidermy pieces in the past, thus their refusal to handle such freight.
If you are concerned about the freight charges, find out which carrier the taxidermist is using, and contact them for verification of their fees.
This will then be something you will need to discuss with the taxidermist in Florida.
Good luck to you... John B.
This response submitted by John C on 11/19/1998. ( )
I shio bird and fish U.P.S. all the time with little problems. The people that talk to you on the phone at ups are contracted and dont have a clue what can really be shipped. John B. is right as far as size limits. Good luck John c.
I am an inside sales representative for ABF Freight Systems, Inc. I deal exclusively with taxidermist and shipping their large freight to
clients. I have a discount developed to benefit the taxidermist and his client. Please call me at 1-800-346-3617 ext. 764 for details. I
will be glad to discuss shipping with you. It won't cost you a penny!
Back in November 2000 we were on our honeymoon, and my husband caught a 42 inch Barracuda also. It was being stuffed by Gray, we had put 250.00 down on it when it was caught. A few weeks later I got a bill for 440.00. I called and authorized it to be put on a credit card. Thinking that I was completely paid at almost 700.00, I then recieved a bill for 242.00 to ship it to Chicago. Needless to say I am still waiting for the fish, I opted to have it shipped FedEx, however it is now March and I've been told for the past month that it's waiting to be crated. My husband is now so frustrated he could care less about the fish!
Hi Keri,
A friend and I went fishing on 3/9. We were quoted a low range by the mate and (foolishly) filled out a blank Gray Taxidermy order form. As we stepped off the boat, we were handed receipts for over $1000 each. We immediately tried calling Gray's multiple times to cancel, and when we finally reached them, they refused to credit any of the >$500 deposit, even though no work had been done. We are preparing a complaint with the South Fl BBB and the FTC. If you or anyone else are interested in joining, please email me.
Kenji
I would be very interested in filing a complaint along with you. My wife and I went fishing on 4/22/01 and also "foolishly" filled out a blank form. We used a company called Monster Fish....or Miss Gail Charters Inc.--- if that sounds familiar to you? They totally ran a scam on us and I can't believe I fell for it. Long story short -- I caught a shark and was told it was an extremely rare "golden hammerhead" shark. The mate on the boat (Robbie) said the shark was 6ft and around 2,000.00 to taxidermy. Thinking I would actually get that fish I agreed and signed off on a blank form so the taxidermist could pick up the fish....Well when we get the shark to dock it is 10ft and 4,000 to mount.....Not to mention I found out the damn shark isn't even a "golden hammerhead" but a common scalloped hammerhead. I too contacted Gray...guy named Terry Guthire....immediatly the next morning (they had the shark less than 24hrs!) The guy was a total jerk when I explained the circumstances and basically told me I would still owe them the deposit even though I told them to stop all work! I am in the process of disputing the deposit with Gray Taxidermy and have also contacted the Florida Fish and Game Commission. You might want to give them a call also (Lt. Bud Brewer--Investigations--800-342-5367. Please email me back with a response...I tried to use the email address on the board but had no luck!
Thanks,
Bill Reid (Ft. Lauderdale)
My in-laws are retired and big game fishing was the dream of my father in law. We went with them to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, but thanks to Gray Taxidermy, their trip was a bitter memory.
Please see:
http://www.garyfong.com/personal/fishing/graystaxidermy.html
My husband and I too were scammed by Gray's. After a $2800.00 deposit, and contacting Grays about my mount, they told ME they couldn't make an 11 foot hammerhead mount. They cancelled my order,
but also refused to refund the deposit. Not even American Express can get out money back. We filed a complaint to the Floirida Dept. of Agriculture, but Grays will not address it. The BBB will also not take any more complaints about Gray's, because they can't resolve them. Gray's has the worst rating the BBB can give any business.
My wife and I called a company in Ft Lauderdale and chartered a fishing trip. The boat was "The Monster", I think, which is a nice looking fishing boat. They said that that particular boat was booked, but they had a "sister" boat that was available. They said all bait was included, and it was a half day tour.
Well, the sister boat turned out to be a decrepit, run down beast called "Robin's Song" and the captain a perfect portrait of Porky from the movie of the same name. The deck teak was pulling up and in some cases missing. We finally got going and head out into the intercoastal, where "Porky" pulls up to the bait boat and hits me up for the cash for the bait. I was a little perturbed, but paid the charge. As we are heading out into the Atlantic, they drop a couple of lines into the water. While they were doing that, Tina and I see a Sailfish free jumping about 200 yards off the stern. We yelled to Porky, and he completely ignores us and keeps right on going. We look at each other and shrug, but keep going. We finally have a hit, and it turns out to be a small King (about 18" long). They gaff it like it is a 50lb Dorado, and throw it in the bucket. That turned out to be our only catch that day. We had 2 other hits that the mate, who was hungover and bitching about being on the water, failed to set. After about an hour and half of trolling, they decided to try the kites. Well, instead of trolling what we had out while setting up the kites, they reeled everything in, and then proceeded to spend 45 minutes untangling the kites from their storage locker, and acting like morons (maybe not acting) the whole time. They finally get the kites out and running. This lasts until about 11:15, not one hit, and then they turn around and start heading back. We asked why so early, that we had the boat until 12:00pm. He told us that that meant back at the dock by 12, which was new to us. Every time we have chartered boats, they ran until 12, then went home. They reeled all in and we were back at the dock a half hour later. We paid them, and it turned out to be a Gray's boat, as well. We called AMEX when we got home, and contested the charges, and ended up not paying for the trip.
Gray's and their associates sound like they are building a great reputation in South Florida. Kind of like the plague did in France...
Gray Taxidermy has received several requests for infomation concerning
our recent investigation with the State of Florida.
While we have processed over 35,000 trophy fish in the past three years,
the inquiry involved approximately a dozen complaints from customers
who complained about the sales tactics of boat captains and agents
representing Gray Taxidermy. There were never complaints about
Gray Taxidermy itself. The majority of complaints by the customers
were that they had to decide while the fish was still alive whether
or not they wished to have it mounted. In no way is the customer
obliged to mount a fish if he or she harvested the fish and then
changes their mind.
Gray Taxidermy agreed to have the boat captains give the customer a
cooling-off period; so, the contract should be signed at the dock
after the fishing trip.
We also put on the front side of our contracts in bigger lettering,
that the mount price does not include the crating and shipping which
is extra and optional. Also, that we employ modern taxidermy methods
which includes replica mounts which last longer than traditional mounts.
The result of the investigation was that Gray Taxidermy was not found
guilty of any violation nor did we plead guilty to any violation.
Gray Taxidermy was not fined by the Attorney General's Office, but
rather agreed to pay the cost of the investigation by the Attorney
General's Office and The Consumer Affairs Division of Broward County.
By doing this, we hope to better the marine taxidermy industry for
everyone.
Gray Taxidermy has been in business for over 36 years and as a company
is very proud of where we are today.
I hope this clears up any questions you may have.
Good Fishing
Bill Gray, President of Gray Taxidermy, Inc.
WE FOUND A NEW WEB SITE DEDICATED TO PEOPLE THAT HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH GRAY TAXIDERMY. Check it out www.graystaxidermy.com
I decided to have a blue marlin mounted on July 15,1999. Captain Dennis Cintas and his crew Jeremiah Taylor told me that they would send the bill and all fins to Gray Taxidermy.Next day,they told me that they had shipped them out.
When I received the mount,I was very disappointed and surprised to see that the mount contained no actual fish parts. I called Dennis, but he hung up or pretended to be another person as soon as I said
"This is Hiroshi Tane." Finally,he sent me a fax saying that he gave the parts to Flying seafoods and they couldn't remember whether they did or didn't ship them to Gray. I called Flying seafoods and asked them if they sometimes shipped fish parts to taxidermy studios. They
answered "No."
I reported this happening to Gray taxidermy and asked them to try to keep this kind of happening from being repeated. They never apologized
,and things still happen,don't they? So I feel that I was cheated by
Dennis Cintas,by Jeremiah Taylor and by Gray taxidermy.
My e-mail address is myname@hotmail.com,that is,
hirocrapane@hotmail.com Thanks,
I think Gray should be run out of business for questionable
shipping and crating charges. 1st. their "crating" charge is
nothing more than a money scam. How can you charge someone who
has paid a large amount of money for a simple cardboard box. I was
forced to pay $125 for "crating", what a joke. I can get the same box for $10 any type of box supplier.
The shipping charge is another scam. (More money for Gray), again after proclaiming "your trophy is now in the final stage" they pump you for a few more hundred bucks for "their" preferred carrier. Try other shipping companies, get your own price and TELL Gray to ship collect per "Your" requirements not Gray's.
Gray is very difficult to work with and very demanding. This is easy
when they have your money from the deposit and other payments.
Gray Taxidermy, I feel is a unscrupulous business that uses less than
honest sales practices in todays business enviroment.
I for one would NEVER refer Gray Taxidermy to anyone period!
ht
I would have to agree with the above comments regarding my experience
with Gray Taxidermy. I waited over six months for my mount and had
several problems when I called in to check on the status of my mount.
They told me that I needed to pay the balance which I authorized
earlier in writing. Since they said that I had not done that, their
"computer" cancelled my order with no call to me to check. I was told
that it was my responsibility to call and check on the order. Instead
they were going to pocket my deposit and go on with their day. On
top of all this, they wanted me to pay over $200 for shipping a
cardboard box (another rip off). When I checked with other shipping
companies, I was able to have my mount delivered to my door for under
$75. What is wrong with this picture? I think that Gray Taxidermy
needs to take a close look at their customer service skills and
realize that the only reason they exist is because of the customer.
I can't imagine how a company run this poorly is able to make it in
today's business environment. More than likely they are surviving
because you have to sign your contract before you leave the docks
unaware of how bad your going to be ripped off.
I think the crew of these sport fishing charters are as much to blame for deceptive business practices as Gray Taxidermy. I was recently on Big Game in Ft. Lauderdale where like so many of these other stories we were pressured by the crew into signing up with Gray Taxidermy. I have written a final letter to Gray asking for my deposit back of $1076. I copied my attorney, better business bureau, broward county consumer affairs and amex. I will take Gray and Big Game to court without hesitation if my deposit is not refunded. I think more emphasis should be placed on the boats and their sales tactics.
My husband caught a 350lb blue marlin in Los Cabos....we wanted to mount it...for a reminder of our amazing vacation....and we fell for the GRAY TAXIDERMY scheme...well...we finally paid for the fabrication and crating (whew....took a long time) and now they want us to pay over $800 to ship this fish to California. I would like ANY INFORMATION about ANY OTHER SHIPPING COMPANY that would deliver this 10 ft fiberglass fish to my house for less than Gray is charging us.....WE ARE FLABBERGASTED by this....my husband is never allowed to go marlin fishing again... :-P
I'm sorry I didn't read this board prior to doing business with Gray's. I got ripped with the $116 cardboard box scam, and then was ripped with a $240 shipping charge to the Pittsburgh area (from Miami). The shippers invoice said $147.70. I called and asked and the response from Gina was that this was only for shipping to the terminal in Pittsburgh from FLA and that didn't include shipping from the terminal to my shop (yeah... I'm sure) and that they paid more than the $240 I paid. Well... my wife says - it was a learning experience - an expensive one. I didn't have a problem with the boat or the mates.
I'm sorry I didn't read this board prior to doing business with Gray's. I got ripped with the $116 cardboard box scam, and then was ripped with a $240 shipping charge to the Pittsburgh area (from Miami). The shippers invoice said $147.70. I called and asked and the response from Gina was that this was only for shipping to the terminal in Pittsburgh from FLA and that didn't include shipping from the terminal to my shop (yeah... I'm sure) and that they paid more than the $240 I paid. Well... my wife says - it was a learning experience - an expensive one. I didn't have a problem with the boat or the mates.
I have had many calls from dissatisfied Gray customers. No one wants to pay the over priced charges they have on truck freight. Some pieces are too large to go UPS or FedEx and must go by common carrier.On several occassions I was able to assist the individual in obtaining their mount at a more reasonable price. I'm an inside sales representative for ABF Freight System, Inc. reachable at 800-346-3617 Ext 764. I have over 250 taxidermist who have accounts with us and are very satisfied with our rates and the handling of their mounts for the client. I can also assist you if you are a taxidermists client in getting your piece delivered. Please feel free to contact me from 10 AM to 7PM Eastern standard time, Monday through Friday. I'll be happy to discuss you shipping concerns.
I recently brought in a 51" Baracuda off the K2 charter fishing boat (I say "brought in" rather than caught because the mate hooked the fish). We decided to have it mounted with Gray Taxidermy and have not had to much of a problem as of yet, but there sure are alot of unhappy customers out there I guess:). But anyway, My question is this... How much do you guys think it would cost to mount and ship a 51" 30lb Baracuda from St. Augustine, Fl to Wisconsin?
Thanks all,
Dustin
6/15/03 fishing via Aquaworld in Cancun. Specified no bill fish. Wanted something my 8 year old could have cooked @ the restaurant for dinner. Strange -hooked a 96 inch sailfish. I cried. Strange-head was bashed and crew assured it wouldn't live if released. Was told Gray routine, assured not a 'model' but 'our fish' and shipping was 5% of $1000 total. No forms onboard for you to peruse, but crew wears Gray's jackets and have brochures. Dockside employee filled in form, citing only the 3 costs on the form, covering this section he turned it for my husband to sign. Back home, Mastercard ?'d charge. I called them to straighten it out, then called Gray's. Casuallly asked to verify the costs we were told onboard and was shocked when advised of extra shipping and crating of around $600. Then I read the back of this form whereby it is a fiberglass model of our fish (not what we were told). Cancelled the order but then my son was so wistful, he said it could be his Christmas and birthday from everyone if we could work something out. I called back to ask the cost for only sail/bill. Left message for Terri, asking costs and thinking that the 'deposit' could pay for part of the taxidermy. He emailed back that the $330 was not a deposit but a "finder's fee" paid to the Captain. Hasn't replied yet if we can get the parts. I don't know yet what will work out, but y'all seem to have had a similar experience. My point is that their form also says they will not honor verbal commitments. They must be aware that the Captain's minimize the costs upfront to hook the fishermen into signing. The Captain may even have ignored our specific request to catch small fish for dinner, opting instead to go for a billfish for his own profit. The back of Gray's form says that the person having us sign the contract has been provided with a list of charges. Why doesn't Gray's provide them with the additional spaces on the order blank to fill in the actual costs of shipping and handling. Also, if the $330 was just a finders fee for the Captain, who pays for our fish, or parts therefrom, to be shipped from Cancun to Florida? Isn't this fee a form of bribery to get the Captains to sign up fishermen? Or is it usury-where our money is being used without benefit to us? Who caught whom? That is a very interesting question-we were fishing for fish, but it seems the Captain and Gray's was fishing for us. Any comments?
Thank you for this website. I just got back from Key Largo and was fortunate to land a 72" tarpon. The fishing guide told me the measurements of the fish and said that is all I needed to get it mounted. He told me it would just be a mold of the same size fish. He was a friend of a friend and did not at any time presure me into the mount. He simply let me know that I could have it mounted whenever I wanted by whomever I wanted (thank God). I did some research on salt water taxidermy and the same name kept coming up (Gray's). I decided to email them for a price quote. Someone named Leo emailed me back with a quote of $810 for the mount, 26% of the mount price for the crating, and he needed my zip code to quote shipping. I have tried to email him several times to work on that crating price, but he hasn't responded as of yet. After hearing all of these horror stories, I think I will just take my business elsewhere.
Thank you for the heads up and saving me a ton of heartache. Your message is getting out there.
Join the club. I had the exact same experience at Aquaworld last February. They said it would be about $1,000 to keep a sailfish. Naturlly when you hook up, the captain runs to the side of the boat and says, "Senhor, you will want to keep this one, it is a big one." On the way back to Cancun my girl friend asked if they ever eat these fish. "Oh no senhora, we respect these fish far too much to eat them." I guess the really strange thing is that we actually believed the guy at the time. After they hook you for a $350 dollar deposit, they say your fish will be sent to Florida for taxidermy. I was thinking, ok, another $700 bill and its a done deal. I then received a $1,200 bill to finish the fish, a $400 bill for crating (which turned out to be a card board box,) and a $500 bill to ship the fish to Ogden Utah! Each time you pay one of the fees, you think, okay, this will be it. What you don't realize is that they are just setting the hook deeper all the time. By the time it was all over, my $1,000 original deal now cost me $2,000! (And that didn't include the boat.)
They say it is your fish. Yeah right, they probably had sailfish steaks before I even got out of the parking lot. They called Gray's and said, hey we have another sucker, pour an 80 inch sailfish. Gray's then pours an 80 inch fiberglass replica and charges you $2,000 for something it cost them probably $200 to produce.
Don't get me wrong. I love the replica of the fish on my wall. I just feel the facts and the fees were severly misrepresented.
Caviet Emptor!
I guess the state of florida doesn't care how much the locals shaft out of state people
AS you know bad news travels fast
I'm going reef fishing in about three weeks in the Bahamas and the charter company (Chubasco Charters) mentions Gray's taxidermy on its website. Before reading these, I was sure to mount a trophy if I was lucky enough to get one. Now I'm not so sure. I'm wondering if anyone has had a bad experience with Gray's or Chubasco Charters in the Bahamas.
I'm going reef fishing in about three weeks in the Bahamas and the charter company (Chubasco Charters) mentions Gray's taxidermy on its website. Before reading these, I was sure to mount a trophy if I was lucky enough to get one. Now I'm not so sure. I'm wondering if anyone has had a bad experience with Gray's or Chubasco Charters in the Bahamas.
Went fishing ...caught a couple of fish ( thanks God for the pictures we took) adrenaline flowing signed gave big time deposit......waited......called...threatened. Gray....waited called threatened not topay. Got fish yesterday. Plaster of Paris....plaster of whatever...paste running , dripping, no info , no plaque ( paid for ) a huge , huge rip off.
They have these little girls call you from call center saying.....with sweet little voices and names like Heather , Stephanie, Brittany and the like ...... saying just a little more for shipping...after two or three of those rounds.....they hit you at your doorstep as you wait to see UPS with BAITED breath ...you open it ....you know you have been SHAFTED ...hook , line and sinker. you take the fish out and jump in the cardboard box where he was...open your mouth a bit.. let your teeth show and there you have it.
Too bad... once in a lifetime screwing.... Don't ( bahamas any where )
My dream as a young boy was to catch a billfish someday. April 2003 I realized my dream through my 17 year old son. We too fished with Aquaworld out of Cancun. We too were lead to believe that the cost would be around $ 1000 dollars plus shipping. However when we got the bill to be paid in order to complete our mount I was surpised.
Luckily we had all ready booked a vacation for Feb 2004 which took us right by Gray Taxidermy. So I called Terry at Gray Taxidermy and he set it up for us to not only pick up the fish but he reccomended a charter boat that we could use for a half day charter on that Sunday afternoon. (When we found them, we caught 20 king fish in about an hour!)
When we picked up the fish, I saw first hand how all their fish were being crated. They use cardboard around a sturdy wood frame and keep the fish suspended as it would hang on a wall. The cardboard is only to keep dirt and debris out. The fish has no bubble or popcorn packing as that would rub on the painted mount. we also took a short tour and were fascinated at the artists painting the mounts.
When they loaded the fish into our vehicle, they made some framing and fastened it on another set of boards above our luggage. The fish traveled well, over 1400 miles to Upstate NY. We hung him on the wall this morning and he is a "work of art".
I own and run a small contracting business and understand what costs go into products and services and I my self am shocked sometimes at what we have to charge. Insurances, payroll taxes and employee benefits drive our final costs up, tremendously. If any one has the time and energy, please go after healthcare insurances and all the insurance rates for that matter, because that is a big part of what you and I pay for when you purchase goods and services.
The mount looks beautiful! and I am happy.
I would look in to other ways to ship a fish if I had to pay frieight, if there is a next time we land a trophy.
Also please note that many taxidermists take six months to three years to complete a mount
Good Luck
Bill
http://www.taxidermy.net/forums/FishTaxiArticles/02/f/027B595833.html
this web site shows how many others have fallen for the same tactics or suffered the same fate as all of you, including myself
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