I am really sad to have to put this in. I really wish I had better things to say.
The main reason why I wanted to order from Kevin was because his site would tell you the skill level suggested for each type of mantis. Since this would be the second time I would keep a mantis, I loved that. I also thought that since he has people helping him, there should be no problems getting my order. So I I ordered three Hierodula Venosa.
Week 1: I put in my order Saturday and got the confirmation that the order had been placed. After I put in the order, I realized the wrong address was on the Paypal so I tried to correct that. Later I got an email saying the it had been changed on their end. Cool. I thanked them and asked to confirm the address. Come Friday, I received no response and no mantids, so I sent an email asking for an update. It was a Friday so I wasn't expecting an answer until the following week and I was fine with that.
Week 2: I get a very short email saying that my order had been processed. I email back and ask for the tracking number. Later that week I get an email saying my order had been shipped. I email them back and ask for the tracking number. No response. Now, I am really worried because I don't know where those mantids are. I had paid for two-day shipping but I was more worried that they had starved to death. Friday comes and still, no mantids. I email again to ask about the status and I tell them that if I don't get my mantids by Friday, I will have no choice but to ask for a refund.
At this point I am upset and I let my emotions get the better of me. That's why I put that post about how long it takes to receive a mantis you ordered, and I still feel bad about that.
Week 3: I get an email explaining that they are catching up with their orders. I email them to thank them for the status update and to ask for the tracking number. Thursday, I have heard nothing and I received nothing. So I emailed them again telling them that I want either my mantids or a refund and if I don't receive a tracking number by end of day Friday then I am assuming I will get a refund. Late Friday I get an email saying that I had placed my order during a system upgrade and, as a result, my order was paid to a different merchant account so it had never been filled.
They gave me my refund and a coupon for 50% for my next order and they said that now that things have been updated I would get my order within 2 days. I appreciate the gesture but...
So now, I am waiting for Paypal to issue the refund so I can order my mantids at a different place. As frustrating and embarrassing as it all was, it was a learning experience. And once I finally get my mantids, I will be appreciate them a lot more.
EDIT:
Now I'm really upset. After waiting for one week, they cancelled the refund. I have elevated it to a dispute. I told them that I don't care if he did send them, I never got the tracking number, I haven't received the mantids and I don't want anything from him anymore. Instead of the usual 20 days they give the seller to respond to the dispute, Paypal is giving him 10 days. I'll let you know what's going on.
FINAL EDIT (HOPEFULLY):
PayPal finally got back to me and they ruled in my favor, which means I should be getting my money back sometime this week. I really was hoping that this whole debacle woldn't take 30 days but...what can I do? But I am really anxious to get my refund because I am not allowed to use any other funds to get my new pets. So now I have another reason to be irate...