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Snap Illusions of Indiana is often accused of running a scam where the customer pays in full up front for an illusion to be built and then SNAP doesn't deliver the illusion and just keeps the customer's money. Snap Illusions does run a scam, but that is not it.
The SNAP Illusions scam is to PROMISE a delivery date that SNAP has absolutely NO INTENTIONS of sticking to just to make the sale.
SNAP Illusions' modus operandi is to take in as many orders as possible and then fill them when it is SNAP's pleasure (or ability) to do so.
Typically the scam works this way:
The potential customer makes an inquiry about buying an illusion. SNAP is attentive and answers all the potential customer's questions in a positive and friendly manner (setting the hook).
The customer inquires about a delivery date of typically 8 to 12 weeks from the time of sale. Again, SNAP promises to deliver within that time frame. The money is sent by bank transfer. SNAP does not take credit cards or accept PayPal and it is not because of the fees they have to pay to use either. It is because if SNAP allowed the buyer to use credit cards or PayPal, then the buyer could catch the scam and have their money refunded by the credit card company or PayPal who would then take the money back from SNAP. So SNAP does not take payment that way. (SNAP gets the money)
Once SNAP has your money they no longer keep their word about the delivery date. It may be weeks or months or possibly years according to some testimonials after your purchase before you receive your purchase from them.
SNAP will ignore any request you make as to why you have not received your purchase. Their email inbox become flooded with upset customers wondering where their purchase is. (SNAP frustrates their customers)
SNAP is threatened with legal suits constantly. They know that the time and cost to follow through on that prevents most people from actually following up, especially those who live in different regions of the USA or outside of the USA altogether.
SNAP also will ignore others who you may ask to intervene on your behalf, like the Better Business Bureau.
What SNAP doesn't seem to understand is that although there are some in the magic world who would label them as dishonest thieves for building illusions that they have no right to build, but there are far more people in the magic world who would gladly buy a prop off of SNAP because their prices are so much more reasonable than the average illusion builder.
However, in SNAP's attempts to attract business, they have not been keeping up with production. Now, instead of adjusting for that at the time of sale, as in, "We will not be able to ship your prop for another 6 to 7 months." Instead, SNAP makes promises (lies?) about delivery times that will not be kept.
Then, when those promised delivery dates come and go without any delivery, SNAP chooses to hide behind their answering machine and computer screen instead of facing the frustrated customers when those customers come looking for answers. The result is that the customers gets angrier the more they are ignored.
Jack and Vicki, why not change your business practices? Expand production or be more honest about delivery times? Your prices will still attract customers and they will be more likely to sing your praises as opposed to wanting to tar and feather you both.
