Merlin........

[newtothegame]

Where and how to start this forum.... well here goes.

In October in 2010 I put an entry on the Buga site asking for advice in purchasing a Bedford from South Australia, to build a replica A TEAM VAN, at this time Neil or (User ID = Merlin) contacted me and said "why bother buying something sight unseen when he could build me one from the parts he had / or could get me the parts he hasn't got (alot he already had, including the shell / body molds, wheels) and I was only to supply the wheels and $5,000 up front with an extra $10,000 on the completion of the work.

I made note that I was happy to pay $12,000 for a complete project (minus interior) but didn't mind scretching the budget to $15,000 with licensing and engineer reports, Neil was happy with this and signed a 1 page contract with name / address / contact details.

The build is for my sick brother who has limited life on earth due to being diagnosed with cancer late last year, and I thought it'd be nice to put his "childhold dream" into practice and have an A TEAM REPLICA VAN to enjoy

All was going well for the first 3 months, in continous response by mobile and SMS. thats where it stopped. With July coming up quickly this year I feel i am left with chasing $9,000 (which I gave in January 2011)  and not having my brothers toy.

I was in Perth late April (from busselton) went past his workshop in Rockingham and saw the Bedford Van in the same position and state it was in October. I called Neil 3 times during the day with no response. I "Personal messaged" him and no response but had a read receipt, I then went on to email him at his skymesh email address, for it to bounce back immediately with an error "no email address at this domian name" over the past 3 days I have called his mobile 5 times and SMS'd 5, still no response.

I know he's on here dially so he'll read this, I have done everything he has asked. and initially when i got in contact with Neil, he promised the world but at the moment I have seen nothing from my view or ears. I know July is still some 6 weeks away and I hope he can come thru with the goods as per our verbal and written conversations.

I have been screwed over in the past with a previous Build. I know where to go and what to do If it happens again (to re-coup damages / monies and time). But you can only scretch friendship so far with no communication.

Can someone shed some light on Neil AKA Merlin ? (how good is he or have you had an issue with him also)

[JOE RYAN]

If any of you WA boys can help out now is the time to resolve this matter

Cheers

Joe

[newtothegame]

Cheers Joe.

Spoke to other users who sounds like they have had a simular issue (names to be kept silent)

From hearing this, I will give Neil till the 22nd of May 2011 to give me a written response (verbal are sh1t and heard all everything come out but seen nothing) with progress photos if this cant be done (excuses are worth nothing now !!!)

I have engaged Lawyers and Debt Collection Agency to work from Monday AM to re-coup my money.

[rubman]

Must be something about busselton,i too have been ripped on a beddy deal 6 months ago but i kept quite,
o.k. shut up now stuart

[mezzmo]

i have been on many forums, spoken to many people yet have never felt the sense of community that Beddie owners seem to share. If, what has transpired is true then this is a very dark stain on BUGA and needs to be resolved. I hope both parties can come to some form of agreement - forget the bullshit - this involves a sick child, you can put the crap aside and deal with that later- get the beddie on the road!

[Merlin]

you know one of the reasons i liked this forum was the easy going nature of it until ........some shit has an uninformed rant on line and then a few "judges" decide i must be guilty without my side of the story because some nameless person has been dribbling shit ( who has been sorted out at my expense btw) if this is what you call friendship and a common bond i want no part of it though there are a few genuine people on here .you guys know who you are .so with a heavy heart i have decided to leave this site .thanks again for the fair go

[Warren]

Neil

As a Mod on the site I was concerned when I first read Matt's post as it so easily could get out of hand.

From my perspective Matt's post explains his position with out too much venom, I PMed him reminding him that it was in his best interest to remain cordial to aid in a resolution. I also mentioned that the admin crew would close the thread if we see fit.

To me the mood of those not directly involved in the situation who have posted is one of conciliation, not judgment.

We have not heard your side of the story that is true, and it is up to you how to progress, you could give your side, or you could PM Matt directly in an attempt to resolve things.

I am also willing to mediate if you wish, all in an effort to settle things amicably.

Everyone please note that if this thread turns into a name calling or a slinging match it WILL be deleted.

Warren   

[obsession]

 
I must say that I have known merlin through the site for about four years and in those years iv never had a problem dealing with him Iv found him to be upfront and very helpful
with both parts and info, some parts he just gave me, and wouldn't take any money from me so in saying that you wanted to know more , I can only say in my dealings with him both as a business man and a friend he has been genuine person of good character.
I don't think forums are the place to air business differences , there are avenues for this type of dispute.

 

 

[John Abbott]

Im the same as Craig. I have always found Neil to be very helpful and friendly, always ready to answer some of my many questions about  mechanical mysteries (and believe me theres plenty)     

[matty]

What a shame to loose such a person with what seems to be so much knowledge,
fingers crossed a peaceful resolution can be achieved.