Resolved OT Genie Stallings Bad Karma

um wow. If you have documentation of sending your doll to her along with receipts for how much you paid for the doll, you should start legal proceedings in small claims. (The value limit is usually $5,000 for small claims)

 

Do you know where she lives? I know in some coses of dolls being help onto, a call to the local police department gets them sent out quick. it can also give you an idea of what options you have.

 

wow, one of my big fears in purchasing these dolls was...sending them out for faceups/repairs and never getting them back. Good to know my phobia was well-founded!

*doing her own faceups for the REST OF HER LIFE kthnx*

 

I cannot imagine the stress of not receiving your dolls after all this time.

Over a year and a half ago I bought a wig of Genie's through ebay. It was to be dyed. After no wig and no response to my emails for almost a month, I asked forcontact info from ebay. I left a message on her phone saying I'd have to contact ebay to complain if I did not receive the wig. Quite soon after, my wig showed up with no explanation. At that time Genie lived in the Dallas area.

It is very scary to send a doll off in the mail. I have had Dennis do three face-ups for me and he is a true artist and very reliable.

Jan

 

Wow, that brought tears to my eyes. If someone were to keep cissa for as little as a few months I would buy a plane ticket and fly my but out there to get her. I can't imagine how hard it must be for you girls. Good luck in getting your precious babies back. *ehugs*

 

Just to let you guys know that the mods have emailed and pmed Genie about this... this isn't the first time she's been inexcusably slow mailing something. I would encourage people at least for now, not to have any business dealings with her, at least until this matter is resolved. Here's hoping that Genie will do the right thing and send your dolls out in a timely manner.

We try to not to get too involved with user disputes... but in issues like this... if Genie never sends your dolls back, we'll have to ban her.

 

Please don't be afraid, peachxprince! 99% of the traders here on DoA, whether it be faceup artists, body estheticians or merchandise sellers, are totally reliable and on the up and up. It's the occasional "bad seller" who runs the risk of ruining it for the rest--those legitimate sellers and creative artists who make customization a joy. I've purchased from DoA members, and have sent my dolls off to members, and have only had a real problem with one seller in the three years I've been a BJD fan.

I do have to say, I purchased merchandise from Genie awhile back, and I never had a problem with her, but I guess things do change over time. I just don't want to think that you've been scared off of trading merchandise and services with our DoA members, because most of us here are truly honest, and we're in it for the beauty of the dolls and what can be achieved through customization, not just for our own dolls, but for others' as well.

The best thing you can do is to glance through the "Good Traders List" here, and if you're in any doubt about a seller, please don't hesitate to request feedback about him or her. Rest assured, there'll be plenty of helpful members who can help you out!

Lia

 

I agree with Lia. No one should let this taint their view of all customizers. Many of the customizers on this board are honest and wonderful people. The best thing you can do is do research. Find out as much as possible about a seller or customizer before you engage in any transactions with them. Don't just rely on feedback from one person, but as many people as possible. Now I know sometimes problems arise even when people do these things , however, if you are very careful things like this will be less likely to happen. I encourage people to go to the Marketplace and click on the "Feedback Forum" thread. It's there to help.

Not that you shouldn't do your own faceups. I recommend giving that a shot too cause it's fun. But I've also sent a doll head of mine for a faceup and I don't regret it one bit. He's returned to me and he is absolutely perfect in every way.

As for the situation with genie...I really do hope everyone gets their dolls back. This situation really does sound quite terrible.

 

;; yeah, you guys are probably right. But I still think I'll attempt my own faceups at first. ^ ^;; If that doesn't work out (which it may not @ @;; ) then I'll give a glance at the good traders list and whatnot

As for clothes/wigs/ect., however, I will most definitely be using the marketplace for shoppings~ DoA seems to have a good reputation overall anyway. So...I'm not /too/ worried, darlingfaces.

Thanks for your insight ; ; I appreciate it.

 

Zalem, for some reason many of us are experiencing that messages sent to the "DOA Feedback" to be posted in the Feedback Forum thread, are just perpetually sitting in the outbox - I've had mine sitting there for weeks, so I posted the whole thing in the "Good Traders"-thread instead.

- Therese

 

Yes me too Therese.... mine has been there for about 2 months. So I did the same as you.

 

Hmmm...I'll ask about it. I don't think the list gets updated everyday so it's possible that the messages only get read when it is ready to be updated. I don't remember how often it gets updated. It shouldn't be sitting there for months though. Maybe the pms aren't getting through at all. But yeah, use the Good Traders thread as well if it's helping you out. Or just feel free to ask around in the Marketplace.

 

What has happened to you is truly terrible!

Well... You know that person's address, right?

If I were you, I'd go there in person, or ask some friends or DoA members that live in her area to go to her house (maybe with a policeman as well) and get your dolls back.

I really hope you'll get your precious ones back very very soon!

Hugs,

 

I'm so sorry to hear about this. Two years? That's scary, and it's moreless robbery. I would call the Dallas police or something about it. I live two hours from Dallas, but urban areas freak me out if I'm alone. If we could make arrangements to meet at A-Kon or something in a couple of months, it would be a neutral area with other BJD collecters there.

How many times has she moved since taking off with your dolls?

 

i would definatly call police... or get a really big friend and go over and get your dolls back. she has no right to keep your dolls longer then you want her to. I don't understand how this could have happened? Go after her!

 

Actually...I live in Dallas. If she's still here... O: I would be completely willing to contact local authorities...if it would help. IF you want it to come to that. ^ ^;; Heh. I'll be at A-Kon as well. I'd have no problem picking up/delivering your dolls.

If there's anything I can do to help, let me know.

 

Wow, that's scary...I haven't even ordered my el yet, but I don't think I'd be sending it out anytime soon, to get a face-up or blushing or anything like that, unless I absolutely 1000% know that the person I'm dealing with is legit and is very reputable in terms of service and speed of getting the doll back to you after the service is completed. although, I know DoA members, especially the ones in the marketplace aren't trying to cheat the system by stealing other people's dolls for their own selfish reasons. I know they'll return it. ^_^ But yeah...that's absolutely awful, I really do hope you get your dolls back.

 

Each day since I read your original post, I check hoping to read that arrangements have been made to get your dolls back. I feel angry that his has happened. I've been in the doll world for 20 years, mostly as a buyer. Rarely does something like this happen, but once I was badly taken buying through the doll resale newspaper CU. When the seller refused to honor the paper's return policy, I filled out a complaint form with the PO and the seller's city's Better Business Bureau. I also wrote to the seller's state Attorney General. I knew the PO and the BBB could not do anything but my letters were on file if anyone wanted to check on the seller. The Attorney General's office handled consumer fraud and they got my money back. I could prove by phone records that I had tried numerous times to call the seller within the required time period. The seller denied I had ever called.

Genie's talent is tremendous and she's shared her talent with the DOA but talent does not excuse what has happened.

Thank you to our moderators for taking a stand. I hope to read soon that your dolls are on the way back.

Jan

 

This is awful! I am so sorry to hear about this.

I had purchased an outfit and a chair from her a while back on DoA. She seemed ok on communicating at first but right after I had sent her my payment she just stopped responding to my e-mails.

For a while I wasn't sure if I was ever to get a response, my items, or my money back. But after 3 weeks I did get the items. If she was gonna be slow about sending my items back I would have liked to have heard some kind of communication back from her.

What she did to some of you (the dollnapping bit, I mean) is terrible and inexcusable. I hope someone does contact the proper authorities and gets this case settled.

 

I know it's kinda 'Disney' of me, but I hope she gets a grip, realizes what she has done and send the dolls back to their rightful homes and owners, where they belong.

 

I did buy an outfit from Genie about a year ago through eBay. Then she didn't get in touch for a month and in the end I sent quite a rude email. It was a pity because I knew her from another doll list (Sasha Dolls). I know she has suffered from ill-health (hip-replacements) and also that she works full-time as a theatrical costumier and travels around, hence the non-communication. Also, later on I heard that her mother had suffered a stroke.

I was ashamed that I sent a rude email but hearing this story has left me with other emotions - maybe it wasn't just me?

 

I keep checking this thread too. I keep watching... okay TODAY there will be a post that the dolls were returned!! Then... disappointment.

Life interferes with a lot of things, we all know this, and maybe people couldn't get to the PO on Monday and had to go on Wednesday, but this...??

I'm SO sorry. I just want to see that these dolls are HOME SOON.

 

This thread just breaks my heart.

There is NO excuse for her behaviour. It's cruel, as well as being incredibly shameful business behaviour.

I do alot of commission work (sewing and Fashion doll makeovers), and I can't imagine doing business this way. If she isn't already, this group of incidents will surely put her out of business fast.

For anyone hiring someone to do commissions of any sort, protect yourself by doing some of the following:

1. NEVER pay the entire amount up-front. Most reputable sellers are more than willing to take a deposit, make your item, send you pictures for approval, and then have you make final payment before item is shipped.

2. You have a right to a reasonable turnaround time. Personally, I would think that two months would be more than sufficient for a face-up. I do full repaints and reroots with costuming for clients in under two months, so it makes no sense that a face-up alone would take any more time than that. Be prepared, and willing to post negative feedback to ebay or forums regarding bad follow through by a seller.

3. You have a right to ask your seller/customizer for a list of previous customers so that they may be contacted regarding their experiences with the seller.

4. Things DO come up for sellers, BUT you as the buyer have a right to a clear, concise, and most of all HONEST explanation to why there might be a delay. In addition, a reputable seller will also be willing to give you a revised, yet concrete timeline for delivery.

5. If the terms of your agreement are not met, take action, legally, as many have described in previous posts. And don't wait too long to do it. If the seller doesn't have intent on honoring your agreement, the longer you wait, the less likely for recovery of your items.

I will say it again, ANY reputable seller should be mnore than willing to honor these sorts of requests and method for handling a transaction.

I so hope as a group, those of youwho have had these deplorable issues with this seller, will get together in your approach to recovering your items. There is power in numbers, and at this point I would think you actually could make quite a strong legal case for theft.

Hang in there, and know that alot of us deeply feel for you in this situation and sincerely hope you can get it resolved soon.

 

I hope your dolls come home soon...to keep them for so long with no explanation is INEXCUSABLE. Life happens, we all know, but if you are in a committed project to another person, it is up to you to explain what has happened. I would be sick if I were in the position you guys are in. For so many of us, these are not "just dolls." They are real, vital pieces of our lives, companions and friends. I know a lot of people don't get that, but that doesn't give anyone the right to think that they can keep someone else's property.

This is robbery and I think the police ought to be notified. Or that the Dallas-area people should form a nice little "doll-rescue" posse.

I hope and pray that your angels are returned to you.

 

oh my goodness this is heart wretching!! You are telling me she has had someones doll for TWO YEARS and has never been able to send out your dolls?! Im sorry but I understand things happen that may keep her from mailing things...but in two years one would think she would manage to get time to go to the post office for two minutes and mail something!! this is just awful and i pray for you and your dolls that you get them back soon and safely, they must also be worried and missing you!

 

...honestly, I'd be worried that she's sold them, especially a doll like Lucas. ;_; You guys need to get the authorities on her fast, especially about that Lucas.

Has anyone sent her a Formal Demand Letter? Basically a legally binding way of saying, "This is your last chance or I'm taking you to small claims for what you owe me (plus the cost of filing small claims! XD ).

This is of course assuming that someone has her current address. -_-;

Has anyone sent anything through a service that could possibly help out, like Paypal?[/i]

 

I dont think Genie would have sold them... Genie seems to be a very nice person... just extremely slow at getting to anything like the post office. But I do think that it might be about time for you guys to send some kind of formal demand letter (ie or small claims court...) but I'm not up on my small claims court legal issues, so I don't really know.

Genie's read my PM asking her about this issue, but hasn't responded.

 

don't forget to add on emotion distress cause by it all, esp for the one of you that has the cancer (i hope evering thing is going okay for her, btw, or as well as it can), oh and raise the price to the current collecting level of a doll such a Lucus, not just the when you bought it price

 

send the letter that tells her she has blank amount of time and then your taking her to court. or that the authorities will be called. My mother is a laywer and says that is what you should do. You could also pay her a visit if you are able. I am in no way blaming you, but I would have been enraged that my precious $1000 baby was in the hands of another for over a year. i would have exploded, she would be lucky that i didn't fly over there and be very angry with her. Our dolls are precious we must protect them!

 

If she's had them for that long and hasn't responded to any e-mails I would file this with small claims court. You've got a good case here and she has no excuse after all this time! Even better, go on Judge Judy or The People's Court so the world can see what a crook she is (I bet Judy would really rip her a new one!).

 

I can't tell you how hard I sat on my hands last night to not respond to the "nice person" comments.

If you do send anything through the mail, pay for the return receipt requested option. You want to prove your letter was received. It is important to have documentation that you tried to get your dolls back.

I still hope you do not have to proceed to court.

Jan

 

This is apalling. I can not believe a person could do this to other people. I barely have words to express my disgust on this matter.

I would never be able to send my baby away. You all must be heartbroken, I am so, so sorry.

Take legal action at once, the longer you wait, who knows what she could do to your poor babies.

Then, this could alll be one HUGE misunderstanding. Maybe she was in an accident on her way back from her trip or?...

Who knows, all I can say is that my hopes and best are with all of you in this stressful, frightening time.

I am so, deeply sorry that something like this could have happened. I'm sure it is one of all of us heres deepest fears come true.

 

This is awful! I feel so terrible for you guys...

this is slightly more than a "habit of being slow sending things", isn't it? Maybe you could forgive a couple of weeks or a month even delay for that kind of reason, but seriously - if it were me, by now I would have roadtripped over there to find out what the hell was going on....

I wish you guys the best of luck in getting your dolls back!

 

I just saw genie_stallings in the "who's online" wonder if she spotted this thread?

- Therese

 

she has been online as she responded to me a few days ago via a PM. I wasn't going to post her, but obviously she still hasn't done anything about the matter... Normally I wouldn't post about this here, but this is taking a really long time and I thought that someone should at least kno where this stands. I hope that all involved will forgive me for sticking my nose in, and having a big mouth. *___*....

She said that most people asked her to do stuff even though she really doesn't like taking commissions. and that things often take her a really long time, and that people should just understand that if they commission her. That she doesnt want to risk doing a bad job, just to do it quickly. That's all well in good, but this is an extremely long period of time, and ignoring people's emails for a long time, etc. The people in question may simply prefer to get their doll back at this point "no hard feelings", instead of waiting indefinitely for genie's "mood to strike her". I understand that it can be hard to work on things when you feel pressured, and hard to find that creative urge. But this is an extremely long time.

I told her that she should email the people that she had outstanding transactions with and at least discuss with them what they would like to do (ie if they want to keep waiting or not.) Also that some mailing services will offer to pick up from your location, so she wouldnt even have to leave her house.

I've recieved no response to that. SHe was online today again and read my PM asking her again if she could at least email the people involved about it.

I really hope that she gets up the courage to email these people. Most people involved seem to just be happy to hear from Genie, and if they want to, to get their dolls back.

 

WOW. I hope this gets cleared up. I dont know everyones story so i will refrain from judging her. But at least yours dolls are alright! There hasnt been any excuse against their "health" i mean. I hope you update when this id done and over.

 

That reminds me:

Student: "I work best under pressure."
Teacher: "Well, have you worked any other way?"

</intrusion>

 

That's terrible..

If it were me, I'd just ask her to send my doll back. If she hasnt been "in the mood" to do commissions in the last TWO YEARS (rediculous!) then she might as well send the dolls home, then the owners can send their doll to somebody more reliable.

*hug* Best of luck to all of you getting your babies back!

 

good grief

I am really sorry guys but i dont believe any of this - cant get to a post office poo. imho i dont think someone would just be slow for 2 years.

I really hope you guys get your dolls back. And i agree that especially witha doll like lucas you have to do something about it fast.

My mum has just had to go through the small claims court from someone never delivering half an order. i must say - its entirely worth it.

Im sure that getting a letter from any court would give anyone a kick up the ass

Genie if your reading this. Shame on you *Shakes fist*

Good luck everyone *shall be checking this thread a lot*

 

I totally understand your frustration.

Lucas sold for around $800 originally, but since he's sold out a nd still popular, I would guess $1,500? I'm really guessing though, based on what popular limiteds go for on YJA. I would watch (or ask friends to watch) YJA, for Chris or Lucas on there, and see what the final values go for.

 

I have a friend who wound up in a similar situation.

I'm going to tell those of you involved what I told her - set aside personal feelings. Take her to court. It's not as intimidating or complicated as it may seem and you likely have a very strong case. She agreed to do something, she did not do it. Whether she is a "nice person" is not the issue. I know it's hard to take an agressive stance because it makes you feel like you're being mean, but she has something of yours she has no right to have. There is no excuse that could possibly explain her actions as you've described them. She is obviously capable of communicating and if she chose to, she could at LEAST contact you with an excuse! If she's not even willing to try to make excuses at this point, then I think you have EVERY RIGHT to take action.

DO NOT roll over for this - get your dolls back. Frankly, if she is such a nice person, wouldn't she have done the right thing? She would have told you that she could not follow through on what she was asked to do, sent back your money, and your dolls. After so long, it seems clear that she is not going to resolve this herself - you can either take legal action, or give your dolls up for lost.

 

Here's a couple of links to help y'all get started.

A guide to small claims court in Texas:
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/consumerism/small_tx.html

and a general how-to guide:
http://www.peopleslawyer.net/smallclaims/


Since the majority of those of you who've been given the runaround by the allegedly nice person live outside of Texas, you should contact your local court for advice on where to file your suit. You may luck out and be able to file in your own county court.

Some of you who have had this going on for two years... you better HURRY, as you're hitting your statute of limitations.

disclaimer: I'm not a lawyer, nor have I ever played one on TV.

 

Goodness. And I felt bad for holding Sammi's Dollfie for 6 months. I had two superglue removals, three faceups and three rootings and still thought it was taking me way too long :\

 

Just for the record though I'm currently at the University of Texas (in Austin), I drive home every weekend (such a family addicted girl I am!) and I live in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. I was wondering if perhaps several of us DFWers could go together to give her a letter about your concerns personally so that she can't act as if she didn't get it later? I don't know, that probably wouldn't help anything but... *sighs* I just wish there was something I could do. This is just... awful. i can't imagine the pain of your babies not coming home. Hehe, a court would never understand that you don't really want the money, you want your dolls, your little angels back! I really, really hope that everything works out. As for Genie... I realize that some people don't handle situations and stress well; I understand that she may be having a very hard time emotionally and such and that she just wants to pretend that the problem doesn't exist. That doesn't make her a bad person... but the problem *is* there and can't be avoided... Gods, I hope she returns your sweeties.

 

as to legal, I gave Babyfacedoll411 some advice on this manner, those of you who are missing dolls, if you could ask her to forward you the PMs I sent to her, you might find it helpful.

Genie is a nice person. but she's a nice person who has some kind of um... SERIOUS "problem", that seems to make it really mentally hard for her to go to the post office. and since she can't say anything positive like, "I sent your doll today", she seems to avoid any contact at all. I hope that people will stop sending her items to work on. She's nice and she's helpful, yes, but she can't be trusted to work on anything or return anything within a reasonable amount of time.

She obviously has no intention of emailing any of you anytime soon, since she's scared, and she's shocked probably by this thread (IMHO). Part of the problem, is this thread, imho, as it's forcing her into a corner, but that ship has sailed. I sincerely hope that you guys are able to get your dolls back, as Genie's actions are inexcusable. It's really actually sad that a few unreliable people can scare people off from doing internet transactions. In my history of being in this hobby only maybe one or two people have tried to cheat me, and even then, eventually it worked out (except for like one instance...) So many people are super nice AND reliable in this hobby, and really go out of their way to help people... it's too bad that others seem to have almost a disability towards finishing and sending things (and yet they dont inform the people they are dealing with of this issue)...

 

This is just... just... beyond appalling. Weren't there a couple folks who lived in the area who offered to physically GO to Genie's, get your dolls, and send them home?

Boy I'd take them up on that offer... and get them a present or something for their trouble...

This entire situation is astounding. The one doll in question was COMPLETED May 14 2004?? Good grief we're coming up on a year that the doll has been DONE!

If I wasn't in PA, I swear I'd get directions, drive to her house, and pick up your kids. Appalling. Genie - if you ARE reading this thread - you need to fix this situation before they take legal action, which they should have done long ago! good grief!

 

I have a friend who has a hard time distinguishing the passage of time...maybe Genie (I do not know Genie) doesn't "realize" that so much time has passed (you may think, "how could she not..." but it happens, the workings of the brain is still a big mystery. Or it could just be a case of chronic procrastination...) and now this thread has "backed her into a corner" as Aimee stated, and she doesn't know how to communicate.

If I may make a suggestion...everyone who is waiting for their doll can e-mail their mailing address and a picture of their doll to Genie, and Genie can box the dolls, address them, drive to the post office, insure the packages, and send them back to their respective owners. No notes, no apologies, no explainations. Just mail them back. As soon as possible.

What ever loose ends are left can be dealt with later, but wouldn't it be best if everyone just got their dolls back?

And for Genie, wouldn't it be best to just send these dolls back and get this over with? Before people come knocking on your door? Don't write, don't explain, don't apologize, whether the work was done or not, regardless if money was taken for the work, just put them in boxes and send them to their homes.

1) Receive address and picture of doll.
2) Box doll and ship to address.

Anyhow, just my suggestion for dealing with unusual phobias.
No offense intended toward anyone, or their unusual phobias.