Well after I was screwed over by Mr. Charles Shackleton of the Antiques Supermarket from Shropshire England I got in touch with some old friends from the U.K.
Well they recognized our esteemed Mr. Shackleton Immediately...
His real name is Les Swainbank. Why he introduces himself as Charles Shackleton I am unsure but I suspect it has something to do with the amount of people he has robbed.
The names William Darling and Andrew Stapleton also seem to be fake. Any other aliases people are aware of please submit them to the blog.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
How containers are normally packed.
In my previous post I showed pictures of what the Antiques Supermarket container looked like when we received it.
Here are some photos of the containers we are used to receiving.
Individually wrapped pieces, well packed for maximum use of space. All larger items contained smaller pieces wrapped in foam.
Packing time on these containers was also included and on average ran 4-5 hours. 10 hours to pack a can is incredible.
What we found when the container arrived!!!
On the Antiques Supermarket website it states.
Quoted directly from http://www.antiquessupermarket.com/faq2.htm#faq8
DO YOU CHARGE FOR EXPERT PACKING OF SHIPMENTS?
No. All packing of antiques is done free of charge by our experienced packers. Each item is individually wrapped in corrugated cardboard and packed tightly together inside all containers. Small items, clocks, brick-a-brack etc., is usually wrapped and put inside armoires, cupboards or drawers to ensure safe delivery.
Not one piece was properly packaged or wrapped. We were billed 10 hours for packing and the container wasn't properly packed. It looked like they packed it in about 40 minutes the can was loaded with broken, damaged, scratched and so poorly loaded that the pieces that would have been sellable were damaged in transit. There were loose mirrors and glass panels from cabinets laying on the floor or packed between pieces with no wrapping. The best thing is there are items that are made of chip board bearing a stamp stating made in 1987, yet our BL lists them as 1930's pieces. About 20 pieces that were sent to me won't be antiques for at least 90 years....
Quoted directly from http://www.antiquessupermarket.com/faq2.htm#faq8
DO YOU CHARGE FOR EXPERT PACKING OF SHIPMENTS?
No. All packing of antiques is done free of charge by our experienced packers. Each item is individually wrapped in corrugated cardboard and packed tightly together inside all containers. Small items, clocks, brick-a-brack etc., is usually wrapped and put inside armoires, cupboards or drawers to ensure safe delivery.
Not one piece was properly packaged or wrapped. We were billed 10 hours for packing and the container wasn't properly packed. It looked like they packed it in about 40 minutes the can was loaded with broken, damaged, scratched and so poorly loaded that the pieces that would have been sellable were damaged in transit. There were loose mirrors and glass panels from cabinets laying on the floor or packed between pieces with no wrapping. The best thing is there are items that are made of chip board bearing a stamp stating made in 1987, yet our BL lists them as 1930's pieces. About 20 pieces that were sent to me won't be antiques for at least 90 years....
Is this individually wrapped in corrugated cardboard?
This is one of the better wrapped pieces. Seriously....
Most had no wrapping whatsoever.
This is the "professional packing". Many items had to have been thrown in to be placed the way they were. Whoever packed this can looks like he would screw up putting his hand in his pocket.
The tape really helped keep the load secure.
We have many more pics.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
C.S. Brunt, Charles Shackleton Wholesale Antique Container Issues.
Regarding Charles Shackleton, William Darling and the Antiques Supermarket shipping a container. On the Antiques Supermarket website it is stated that a full door to door shipping quote will be provided before the container is packed. Based on these statements I was surprised to hear that not only was my container packed but it was on the water. No shipping quotes were provided.
The instructions I gave were to contact my regular shipper (whose rate was over $1000 U.S. less than the C.S. Brunt rate). My shippers were not contacted. The instructions were my container was to be shipped all water to Vancouver, I received an invoice from C.S. Brunt stating the container was being sent to Montreal and then being trucked across Canada! This directly contradicted my specific instructions. Needless to say there were a few heated conversations over the phone.
C.S. Brunt was demanding payment, our invoice from Antiques Supermarket also listed the same fee for shipping. They both asked for payment for the shipping, they both said I had to pay them or they wouldn't give me my documentation! They were trying to double bill me for the same service. After a few exchanges I was assured that the container was rerouted all water, on top of that Charles sent me an updated invoice saying not only did he reroute the container he even saved me money on shipping!! Needless to say even though I was assured by Geoff at C.S. Brunt, William Darling and Andrew Stapleton of Antiques Supermarket that my container was coming all water now.... it was a complete lie. About 2 days later my customs people called me and told me my can was in Montreal and I needed the paperwork for it to be released. Strangely I was unable to get in touch with Charles for almost a week to discuss these problems with him,even though he carries 3 cell phones. Whomever I spoke to at Antiques Supermarket (when I could actually get through) either claimed they didn't know where he was or he was in France. Messages were left repeatedly by me and my assistant. Charles was paid in full and I had paid the shippers the updated shipping amount that Charles had given me, they basically extorted the money out of me. Even though I had an invoice with a new rate they would not give my my Bill of Lading or any of the relevant paperwork, packing lists and such unless I paid the full original invoice.
What it came down to was C.S. Brunt stated they did not have to communicate with me nor did they want to since Charles was the one giving the instructions they were only going to go through him. It wasn't a threat but our position was you invoiced us and are demanding payment from us. We are the customer not Charles Shackleton, deal with us directly or we will have to involve the authorities. One strange item is that Sue and Geoff at C.S. Brunt both claimed they had been shipping with Charles for years yet they claimed they had never heard of William Darling? The whole process was so deceptive and frustrating, the whole time I was being fed a line of B.S.
The instructions I gave were to contact my regular shipper (whose rate was over $1000 U.S. less than the C.S. Brunt rate). My shippers were not contacted. The instructions were my container was to be shipped all water to Vancouver, I received an invoice from C.S. Brunt stating the container was being sent to Montreal and then being trucked across Canada! This directly contradicted my specific instructions. Needless to say there were a few heated conversations over the phone.
C.S. Brunt was demanding payment, our invoice from Antiques Supermarket also listed the same fee for shipping. They both asked for payment for the shipping, they both said I had to pay them or they wouldn't give me my documentation! They were trying to double bill me for the same service. After a few exchanges I was assured that the container was rerouted all water, on top of that Charles sent me an updated invoice saying not only did he reroute the container he even saved me money on shipping!! Needless to say even though I was assured by Geoff at C.S. Brunt, William Darling and Andrew Stapleton of Antiques Supermarket that my container was coming all water now.... it was a complete lie. About 2 days later my customs people called me and told me my can was in Montreal and I needed the paperwork for it to be released. Strangely I was unable to get in touch with Charles for almost a week to discuss these problems with him,even though he carries 3 cell phones. Whomever I spoke to at Antiques Supermarket (when I could actually get through) either claimed they didn't know where he was or he was in France. Messages were left repeatedly by me and my assistant. Charles was paid in full and I had paid the shippers the updated shipping amount that Charles had given me, they basically extorted the money out of me. Even though I had an invoice with a new rate they would not give my my Bill of Lading or any of the relevant paperwork, packing lists and such unless I paid the full original invoice.
What it came down to was C.S. Brunt stated they did not have to communicate with me nor did they want to since Charles was the one giving the instructions they were only going to go through him. It wasn't a threat but our position was you invoiced us and are demanding payment from us. We are the customer not Charles Shackleton, deal with us directly or we will have to involve the authorities. One strange item is that Sue and Geoff at C.S. Brunt both claimed they had been shipping with Charles for years yet they claimed they had never heard of William Darling? The whole process was so deceptive and frustrating, the whole time I was being fed a line of B.S.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Charles Shackleton and his Antiques Supermarket Total Fraud
A little bit about us. We are an antique wholesale retail outfit based in Vancouver, B.C. Canada. With over 25 000 sq ft. of combined retail space, in an average year we bring in from 15- 18 containers of merchandise from all over the world. With over 25 years of experience we are no rookies to the antique and global shipping world. That is why this blog is coming online. To show exactly how badly a business can be scammed out of thousands of dollars by complete liars, even long standing experienced business like ours.
Regarding Antiques Supermarket and it's owner Charles Shackleton. Or his aliases, William Darling Antiques, Andrew Stapleton Antiques. I've called the office several times and for some reason have never been able to speak to either of those men. When I spoke to the shippers that Charles has dealt with for years they say they have never heard of either of those men. Very curious.
Several months ago we were contacted via email from Antiques Supermarket based in the Isle of Man and Shropshire UK . Since we are always on the lookout for new sources of product I corresponded with Mr. Shackleton for a while. A buying trip was already planned for the UK so it was decided I would check out the Antiques Supermarkets operation.
They seemed a bit disorganized and unprofessional but those things are common in the antique world so I let it slide. Charles showed me his fleet of cars and talked a good game about his business and how most of his money is made through property, the antiques being almost a sideline. He took me to what he told me were a variety of his sources for product. I went over all of the items with him pointing out the ones I was interested in and the types of items I found acceptable and unacceptable. Giving very specific instructions to the type, quality, style and condition of the antiques I looked for. A point was also made by me to let Charles know I was aware of the scams common in the antique industry and that if he tried anything I would not take it lying down. Charles reassured me on every front, stating unequivocally that the entire operation was professional and entirely above board on all fronts. That I would be more than pleased with the quality and selection of antiques he could supply.
Although there were some reservations I placed an order for a 40ft high cube can. Giving very simple instructions on what I wanted on it and how I wanted it shipped.
That s where all the problems started.
Regarding Antiques Supermarket and it's owner Charles Shackleton. Or his aliases, William Darling Antiques, Andrew Stapleton Antiques. I've called the office several times and for some reason have never been able to speak to either of those men. When I spoke to the shippers that Charles has dealt with for years they say they have never heard of either of those men. Very curious.
Several months ago we were contacted via email from Antiques Supermarket based in the Isle of Man and Shropshire UK . Since we are always on the lookout for new sources of product I corresponded with Mr. Shackleton for a while. A buying trip was already planned for the UK so it was decided I would check out the Antiques Supermarkets operation.
They seemed a bit disorganized and unprofessional but those things are common in the antique world so I let it slide. Charles showed me his fleet of cars and talked a good game about his business and how most of his money is made through property, the antiques being almost a sideline. He took me to what he told me were a variety of his sources for product. I went over all of the items with him pointing out the ones I was interested in and the types of items I found acceptable and unacceptable. Giving very specific instructions to the type, quality, style and condition of the antiques I looked for. A point was also made by me to let Charles know I was aware of the scams common in the antique industry and that if he tried anything I would not take it lying down. Charles reassured me on every front, stating unequivocally that the entire operation was professional and entirely above board on all fronts. That I would be more than pleased with the quality and selection of antiques he could supply.
Although there were some reservations I placed an order for a 40ft high cube can. Giving very simple instructions on what I wanted on it and how I wanted it shipped.
That s where all the problems started.
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