Mark Terrell Trouble

I was just going to suggest contacting the postal inspectors, but I see that Karda has already posted a link. If the state Terrell is in has a fraud division in it's DOJ, it might
be another avenue. I assume that you have proof that you paid him.

I had a problem with a company in IL a long time ago. I wrote to the DOJ there and within a week I received a refund. It's worth a try.
 
I called my bank this morning as soon as I made my last post and started the claim process. I think I was cutting close to the deadline. The bank said it may take up to two months to see the money returned. That's better than being out $640. Shame about Mark, was really looking forward to the knife, looks like he does some beautiful work. I have been eyeing his WSK design for a few years now and finally decided to go for it and this happens. This is one of the reasons I dislike doing business long distance. It's always better when you can meet the person. Not saying that this still cannot happen, but at least then you can get your hands on them.
 
I have always had positve dealings with Mark and it's a shame to see this thread. It's never good to see a maker reduced to just another name on the list of makers that have taken this path, but it's been on the cards for a while. I hope folks get squared up eventually.
 
Aufidius said:
Hey Guys,
Does anyone here have a phone number for Mark so that I may try and contact him? Having a strangely similar problem, different excuses though. Thanks for the help.
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Here's all I know...
(325) 347-7051
Mason, TX
 
I sure hope all of you will get your money back.

I would advice anyone not to pay anything until the knife is ready to ship. Most all good makers operate this way, and I've never had anyone ask for money up front. A good maker should have enough money for the materials that go into your knife.

I've had personnel dates engraved on customs(the liner) before and still wasn't asked for any money up front. I can see why some makers may ask for something down in an instance like that though since they may not be able to sell the knife if the buyer can't pay for some reason.
 
Ken44 said:
I sure hope all of you will get your money back.

I would advice anyone not to pay anything until the knife is ready to ship.
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Not sure that would apply here as he was told "it was finished"...

k9barker said:
He told me to expect it in 4-6 weeks, no problem. June 17th I was told it was finished, so I sent the other $350 and thought that was that.
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I would also implore people also contact the local police departments and speak with an officer to see what recourses can be had at this point. You'd also do well to contact the local post offices and request to speak with postal inspectors.
 
Filed the IC3 complaint and will be contacting his local police departments this week. Thanks for pointing me in the right directions everybody, and good luck to everyone else getting their money back. I'm glad at least a few of you managed to get a deposit back, and hopefully anyone considering him sees this. When I originally went to the bank in August I missed their 60 day protection period by just a few days. Some protection, huh.
 
Hey K9 good luck brother, hopefully you can get your money back. Good luck to the rest of you guys as well.
 
What a shame. I researched his business after seeing this thread and he seemed like a top notch craftsman. His work is beautiful and detailed, his shop is cleaned and organized, and seems like a good friendly guy. I'm sure life got in the way and he got in over his head deeper and deeper. That is no excuse for his business morals though. I hope he squares up with everyone but seems like he is too deep underwater at the moment. Its a shame to see a skilled knife maker burn so many customers. Good luck everyone.
 
Well heres my story:
I was intially interested in a Wsk, but asked Mark for a folder. He emailed me back no problem. Yes I know dont send a maker 100% prior to a build, but I had a good history
with Mark as I had bought from him in the past and traded with him as well. Soooo, half in a money order and half through paypal on september 25th. Many emails from Mark prior to his receiving his funds but then.....nothing. I waited a week then emailed him did he receive his funds. Yes he did but he said he ruptured a tendon in his foot but would commence to the build regardless. So now as you know his site, email goes away and al that. Mark, if you are reading this: I know you and trusted you, the first custom knife I ever bought and still carried for Five years was your folding hangnail karambit. Integrity and respect to those who believe in you must NOTgo the wayside. Whatever your personal issues, put them aside and complete your orders as promised to me and the others who so had looked forward to your knives.
 
A guy asking for 50% down on a standard model with no special materials is a bad sign from the the start in my book.
 
So I take it he has not resolved these past orders? That's really too bad, as I was looking to buy another knife from him. I have a WSK he made me from a few years ago and it's a beauty.
 
So sad to see such talent lost and customers screwed. That knife is a real beauty.


Luopo said:
So I take it he has not resolved these past orders? That's really too bad, as I was looking to buy another knife from him. I have a WSK he made me from a few years ago and it's a beauty.
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He still has not resolved my order or other's that I have contacted. In fact, he stopped all communication months ago. I have followed most everyone's advice here but nothing has come from it. As far as I can see he is a criminal, and his site appears to be down.
 
The bank was of no help. They said I had no protection after the 60 day period. In fact before I ever made this post I went to the bank and filled out a claim for the down payment and for the final payment. The final payment was less than a week after the protection period. The down payment's protection period was up before he even claimed the knife was done. I received in the mail two rejection letters for the claim. Paypal was of even less help, since they don't acknowledge anything after 45 days. I never called the postal inspector because he never claimed to ship the item, only that he was going to. I submitted a complaint to both the IC3 and the BBB. Shortly after the original post I heard back from him and received the same routine... saying he would ship it asap and that was the final time I heard from him. My only regret is not calling his local pd. I still call, text, and email him about twice a week to no avail. (Though I suspect he very recently changed his number, it now never goes through all the way)

EDIT: I also contacted his local DOJ and filled some paperwork out. I never received a response.
 
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My last update for everyone is that his email is now down as well as his phone number. It bounces back any messages that are sent to him. Thanks for your time, Rev.
 
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