Please help guys - I've been ripped off by Mark Shaner (Synthmonger)

[LaceSensor]

This is very upsetting reading.
The advice here seems sound however.

As many people know I operate a "when I can be bothered" hobby business, sometimes direct to ebay, sometimes at request. In no case do I ever take money up front for a pedal that isn't built, in my hands, working, ready to ship. Ive actually been burned a couple times myself this way - someone has said they want a pedal, I build it, and then when its ready to ship they change their mind.
Luckily it hasnt been something so custom that I cant resell it, or absorb into my own collection.
I think if anyone wanted something so custom it would be hard to resell I may ask for say, good faith of 25% up front with the rest on completion.

anyway, I digress....
Its a shame people like this cunt are making the scene harder for honest people to do business.
I would say use everything at your disposal. Its not a trivial amount of money. But as was also advised, get used to the idea of never seeing the money again and this being a strong life experience episode....

[LaceSensor]

$400 for an effect that doesn't even have a fabbed board is just crazy. 

For what its worth I saw some production stills on flickr of his stuff and it looks well put together.
so what if its single side PCB? Lovetone were the same, as are others. If its done well, its not a problem for years of service...

[Govmnt_Lacky]

In no case do I ever take money up front for a pedal that isn't built, in my hands, working, ready to ship. Ive actually been burned a couple times myself this way - someone has said they want a pedal, I build it, and then when its ready to ship they change their mind.

I have to disagree with you here...

When I do build and/or repair services for people, I ALWAYS ask for the full amount UP FRONT! Of course, I use Paypal for the transaction and I always deliver within the allotted time for resolutions BUT.... I have been burned 2 times by people who want a build and change their minds. Never again! I usually charge the full amount up front with a certain percentage + shipping fees as non-refundable (for parts + bench fee)

[thesameage]

Ouch:

http://www.harmonycentral.com/forum/forum/guitar/acapella-29/1784313-

[jkokura]

I do a happy medium. Half up front, which covers build costs, and half before delivery, which is my profit. Essentially, I don't make money till it ships, and they have power over me if I don't deliver when I say I will.

Jacob

[juansolo]

This is very upsetting reading.
The advice here seems sound however.

As many people know I operate a "when I can be bothered" hobby business, sometimes direct to ebay, sometimes at request. In no case do I ever take money up front for a pedal that isn't built, in my hands, working, ready to ship. Ive actually been burned a couple times myself this way - someone has said they want a pedal, I build it, and then when its ready to ship they change their mind.
Luckily it hasnt been something so custom that I cant resell it, or absorb into my own collection.
I think if anyone wanted something so custom it would be hard to resell I may ask for say, good faith of 25% up front with the rest on completion.

This totally. I've never asked for money until it's built and indeed I've ended up out of pocket a couple of times for one reason or another. No one's ever cancelled on me though after I've built something bespoke... Not yet anyhow...

[pickdropper]

I've only asked for a deposit once and that was the original Andromeda build.  The deposit was for the cost of raw parts only.  That was slightly different as it was something very specific and custom.

In retrospect, it probably wasn't necessary as I likely could've sold it somewhere else if he had flaked.

[jimilee]

I asked for full payment upfront once, I was sure the guy wasn't going to pay it. Sure enough he backed out but then changed his mind a month later. He paid me a little at a time, and when he got it about half paid for, I built it, and held on to it til he paid me off. I was prepared to refund him at anytime. Normally I don't charge upfront for anything though

[culturejam]

I've only asked for a deposit once and that was the original Andromeda build.  The deposit was for the cost of raw parts only. 

Yeah, but the cost of knobs alone was like $50. 

[LaceSensor]

In no case do I ever take money up front for a pedal that isn't built, in my hands, working, ready to ship. Ive actually been burned a couple times myself this way - someone has said they want a pedal, I build it, and then when its ready to ship they change their mind.

I have to disagree with you here...

When I do build and/or repair services for people, I ALWAYS ask for the full amount UP FRONT! Of course, I use Paypal for the transaction and I always deliver within the allotted time for resolutions BUT.... I have been burned 2 times by people who want a build and change their minds. Never again! I usually charge the full amount up front with a certain percentage + shipping fees as non-refundable (for parts + bench fee)

Each to their own
I respect your methods and it's something I might get into, indeed with very bespoke stuff I would do. For regular sought after clones though it's something I take a gamble on. I've been left with a Lovetone clone or two and a deluxe multiplex... Sold them on afterwards again but it's very annoying to dedicate time effort to an agreed upon turnaround then have the person flake out...

[chromesphere]

of the few pedals I've hawked in my time, they have always been built first.  I did a few small 'runs', 5 rangemasters, ff's, tb's or whatever.  Sold one at a time on ebay.  I'd personally prefer to sell this way, less stress, but that's just how I work. 

Anyway, hoping OP gets a resolution from the seller, I can feel your frustration!

[Govmnt_Lacky]

Ian,

I agree. The only reason I do it that way is because I do not have a lot of time to build now-a-days. So, I really hate it when someone makes a request and then backs out! I could have used that time to spend with my family or to pursue something that interests me.

I consider myself a pretty stand-up guy and I have always delivered on a build within time.

[pryde]

I'm a 25% up front guy to secure a custom build, then full payment when completed. If they back out before delivery then at least materials used are covered. I have not had anyone back out yet on a build though, maybe lucky I guess.

I have a good local reputation with my business and people generally know I deliver as promised and I intend to keep it that way. I just can't imagine doing to someone what the OP is suffering. Just crazy.

[pickdropper]

I'm a 25% up front guy to secure a custom build, then full payment when completed. If they back out before delivery then at least materials used are covered. I have not had anyone back out yet on a build though, maybe lucky I guess.

I have a good local reputation with my business and people generally know I deliver as promised and I intend to keep it that way. I just can't imagine doing to someone what the OP is suffering. Just crazy.

I don't think there is anything wrong with people taking a deposit to cover materials.

To me, a local shop is much different, though.  If I ran a local shop, I would absolutely require a deposit.  Too many people flake out.  Hell, at the local shop I go to, people leave their guitars for repair for a long time without picking them up.  I never quite understood that.

[pryde]

I'm a 25% up front guy to secure a custom build, then full payment when completed. If they back out before delivery then at least materials used are covered. I have not had anyone back out yet on a build though, maybe lucky I guess.

I have a good local reputation with my business and people generally know I deliver as promised and I intend to keep it that way. I just can't imagine doing to someone what the OP is suffering. Just crazy.

I don't think there is anything wrong with people taking a deposit to cover materials.

To me, a local shop is much different, though.  If I ran a local shop, I would absolutely require a deposit.  Too many people flake out.  Hell, at the local shop I go to, people leave their guitars for repair for a long time without picking them up.  I never quite understood that.

Not to mislead in my post. I do not have a store front-type shop. I do guitar/amp repair (and occasional pedal builds) from my home shop (out building) and work by appointment only. I have been lucky to be in the good graces of many local musicians here and have a solid customer base.

back to topic: Of course, I would gladly build a pedal for a repeat customer on good faith alone.