Although difficult....patience is best in these situations.
It is hard not to jump to a conclusion sometimes, especially if you have history and things don't follow the "normal" process.
However, things do happen from time to time that can delay or distract from process.
In any regard, until it's been actually established and verified that a lab or rep has gone scammer.... its best to not post that or call it out publicly.
If something has occurred that can reasonably explain the departure from regular process....all this will do is pour gas on a smouldering fire.
if a lab/rep has actually went scammer, you're not getting anything back from them anyways.
It is always best to peivately reach out to staff at a board first and explain your situation and let staff assist in investigating the issue. I dare to say, when this has occurred, almost every dispute I've every seen is usually ironed out with all parties happy or at least content with the conclusion.
This is always much easier when it's a supported brand on said board, but most staff have deep rooted ties within the community from years of relationship building and can usually assist with any established brand. This place has done an excellent job in those cases over the years.
It's not about who's right and who's wrong. It's about best path forward to solving an issue.
Patience and level heads always prevail here.
So in summary for all, not dire Ted entirely at the OP, but food for thought moving firward:
1) try to choose well established brands. They generally aren't going anywhere and care about reputation
2) stick to board supported sources at the boards you frequent. Staff at those boards should 100% assist with any issues. That's part of what they are there to do. If they dont help, find another board.
3) attempt to solve internally with the source first
4) be patient and reasonable
5) be clear transparent, document your conversations in case they are required for investigative purposes
6) go to staff with any issues that arise once you believe you can't solve in your own with the source in question
7) provide facts. Investigations are established on facts. Not stories and feelings
8) be nice. Being a cunt will get you nowhere. This includes with staff who are only trying to assist you. Yes we have to have thick skin, but we won't take shit. We don't have to.
9) Never publicly post someone has gone scammer until the due diligence has be put in.
Lastly, these are my thoughts only. Take them, or leave them....
Based on nearly 20 years of being on the boards and working out many very complex issues where sources had, in fact, scammed or even died and many people were out major major bucks. It's awesome how this community, who in some times can be in competition or even at odds - will come together!
I can't promise everything will always work out, but tge above is a path to best success. At least in my experience.
In the end, it's always up to you. You can always do what you feel is proper. But realize that it may not always get you sorted out and can result in you looking like the bad guy. So be mindful about approach.
In this case it sounds like bull has offered to look into this. Even though, he really doesn't have to. Be grateful for that....and be patient. I have faith that things will work out for you no matter what has occurred.....if you steady your course and be respectful and calm.
