Big Apple Herpetological, which is nothing more than an internet based boiler room operation, is a dishonest, deceptive, and fraudulent, reptile products supply business. The so-called "President" of this company, Steven Spitz, (who sometimes calls himself "Andy") believes that he is above the law, as he basically does whatever he wants, let the customer be damned!!!
He charges the combined 8.75% New York State/Suffolk County sales tax (the most expensive sales tax rate in the entire state) to all New York State residents, despite the fact that he should be charging the sales tax rate of the county that he is shipping to. For example, I live in Ulster County where the combined New York State and county sales tax is 8.25%. I should have been charged 8.25% sales tax, but I was actually charged the higher 8.75% sales tax. Therefore, I was overcharged by. 5%! This may be a small amount, but it illustrates this company's contempt for the law.
Another example of this company's blatant disregard for the law is the fact that Big Apple Herpetological carelessly prints the customer's ENTIRE credit card number (with the expiation date included) on the shipping invoice. Not only is this practice illegal, but it is a breach of security, and creates an unnecessary risk of credit card fraud. Mr. Spitz, when told that this practice is illegal, says "so what?"!!!
Big Apple Herpetological/Andy/Steven Spitz overcharges inwitting customers for the most poorly made, lowest quality, reptile supplies and then tries to make it as difficult as possible if the customer wants to return the item or items. This company's return policies are ridiculous: First they make you call up to get approval for a "return authorization number", and IF they decide that they will let you return the item, they make you use the most expensive return shipping method possible. If they accept your return (after a nitpicking and arbitrary examination), they will deduct a "10% restocking fee" from the amount of the refund. Keep in mind that they will not refund the cost of the initial or return shipping.
If you are in the market for reptile supplies, save yourself a big headache and please don't patronize Big Apple Herpetological. You will be much better off dealing with your local pet store or a reputable and honest mail order company. Don't let Big Apple Herpetological and Steven Spitz rip you off!!!
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