GoatHill Classics/Paul Baker

[Paul B.]

I met Paul Baker with Goathill Classics at the Bloomington show while looking for parts for my 1961. He said he had the parts I needed in stock and ready to ship. I forwarded a cashiers check for $2,100.00 and now more than 3 months later, I still haven't received my order. (I didn't see any discussion about him on this board until I sent my money). He told me on 11/7/05 that part of my order was shipped and the remainder would ship that week. Now he is screening calls, saying that he is on a long distance call on another line, then he hangs up. I tried 3 times today to get him to talk to me, now the answering machine is on.
He has not returned my calls and I am afraid that I have been ripped off. I left him a message demanding my money back but not sure what is the next step. He's in California and I'm in Kansas City. I emailed Eric Mortimer for help since GoatHill advertises in the Driveline. I think I'll email David Burroughs with the Bloomington show as well. Any advice would be appreciated.

[Alan Drake]

Re: GoatHill Classics/Paul Baker

Sorry for your problem!
I've learned (hard way) that using a credit card is the best bet. Also do not, do not, use Pay Pal since the card company can not help you. Best bet now is to look into a small claims action against vendor. Thanks for the info since I've use this source before, but will now hold off my winter purchases until I hear more.

[Mike Geary]

Re: GoatHill Classics/Paul Baker

In my company, we maintain an "approved supplier list" and a supplier performance rating system based upon quality, delivery and responsivess.

We also have a "disapproved supplier list" for the small percent who are incompetent, unscrupulous, non-responsive ....or just downright dishonest.

Why doesn't the NCRS take action to protect it's members from habitual rip-off artists?

[mike mccagh]

Re: GoatHill Classics/Paul Baker

mike: for the most part, NCRS is a hobby orginization, run by volunteer hobbyists. we're not set up to police the folks, good or bad, who pay to advertise in the driveline. when a dealer rips someone off, it doesn't take long for this forum to make note of the dishonest fella. its unfortunate that all members of NCRS don't or won't use this forum. those who do make use of it benefit from posts like the one that started this thread. regards, mike

[Rob A.]

Re: GoatHill Classics/Paul Baker

Paul,

There were quite a few posts regarding Paul, at GoatHill, many negative and a few positive. Unfortunately you missed them, or couldn't find them on the archives. Just a thought, but maybe it would help your situation if you let him know you intend to post your experience here(not that you haven't already) if it isn't resolved soon. I feel that after your most recent experience, however, paid for or not, he shouldn't be allowed to continue to advertise in Driveline, specifically targetting NCRS members. I personally feel that it's just not right to allow him to do so, knowing the many negative experiences members have had. Just saying that he can do so because he pays for it doesn't make it right. Anyway, good luck.

[Donald B.]

Re: GoatHill Classics/Paul Baker

I live in Long Beach - but have never been to the shop. If I can be of any assistance let me know. I could possibly go there and pick up the parts and ship them myself to you - just a thought.

Trying to repay the many favors and advice the NCRS has give me !

[Richard S.]

Re: GoatHill Classics/Paul Baker

You might want to have him arrested. File a charge with police.....call the local police where he is located and tell them what's happened.....ask if they'll pay him a visit.......fraud across state lines....would that be the FBI as well........

[Howard K.]

Re: GoatHill Classics/Paul Baker

I have been restoring mid years for 35 yrs and GOATHILL is no doubt the worst supplier i have ever dealt with . I havnt used him in a long time and never will again.

[John S.]

Re: GoatHill Classics/Paul Baker

How about a bunch of us members going together and putting a full page ad in the driveline about the fraud this guy is doing. I'll donate the the first $25.00 john

[Dave S.]

Re: GoatHill Classics/Paul Baker

Mike,
Sorry, but I have to disagree with you thought. If the NCRS accepts paid advertising for a Driveline Ad they should be accountable for the vendors they accept money from. Hemmings has a policy to deal with dead beat advertisers that may serve as a model to NCRS. To take it a step further this seller has a long history of poor performance (discussed many times on this board and many other places) and its a shame that Mike did not discover that prior to his purchase in Bloomington. I think addressing the Goat Hill situation is long overdue. He's giving our hobby a bad name.

JMHO

[Harry Sadlock]

Re: GoatHill Classics/Paul Baker

I wonder if the folks that organize the Carlisle events would also be interested in this??? Make me wonder!!!

Harry

[Rob A.]

Re: GoatHill Classics/Paul Baker

John,

Those who allow him to continue to advertise in Driveline, knowing the many negative(and potentially costly) experiences members have had, would be best served losing the revenue from him and supporting the members instead. There are many other sources through which he can advertise for those who still want to do business with him.

[Larry S.]

[Rob A.]

Re: GoatHill Classics/Paul Baker

Larry,

I understand your opinion on this. I would agree, if this was a city newspaper, or magazine, distributed and available to the public with no membership required. It is, however, meant for those electing to be NCRS members, and should be a benefit to them. Vendors should feel that advertising in the Driveline does come with some obligation on their part not to demonstrate the type of business practice described here. Judging from the problems posted on this board regarding GoatHill, clearly that is not the case. I'm not suggesting that those accepting advertising for the Driveline take it upon themselves to evaluate each vendor before placing an add. I do feel, however, that if it is brought to their attention that there is a real problem with one in particular, not allowing them to solicit business from the members through our magazine would be in order.

[Patrick T.]

Re: GoatHill Classics/Paul Baker

Why on earth would the NCRS screen vendors like Goat Hill Classics in the Driveline, when they accept paid advertisements for Ford's in a Corvette Magazine? You don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure this out.