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Saturday, January 29, 2011

MTSC

Over the years I have referred people to Michigan Toy Soldier Company as a good place to buy plastic army men. I no longer recommend them. The owner, according to news reports was convicted of using a customer credit card to charge purchases for his business without the knowledge or consent of the credit card holder. The charges were in excess of $150,000.00! The victim was Peter Jackson, the movie director who gave us the Lord of the Rings and the remake of King Kong.

The owner did not make a mistake. He did not charge Mr. Jackson’s credit card in error. The owner made an immoral decision to steal money from Mr. Jackson. The excuse that he did it to save his business is irrelevant. The excuse that he did it to save the jobs of his employees is also irrelevant. The excuse that Mr. Jackson could afford it is irrelevant as well.

Other companies have gone out of business rather than turn to crime. There are plenty of rich people out there, but their money is not our money to take because they can afford the loss. I don’t care how nice the employees are, or how well stocked the store is, or how competitive the prices. I will never shop there again, and I will do business with legitimate companies, not crooks. This hobby is filled with decent, honest, hard working people and this kind of activity makes us all look bad to the general public who know little about us other than one of use stole money from Mr. Jackson. I hope that full restitution with interest is paid to Mr. Jackson and that he continues to have fun with his little soldiers, thus spake the Bunkermeister.

8 comments:

John Lambshead said...

Sad tale.

Ubique Matt said...

In an industry where the customer often has to rely on good will and trust a supplier (and vice versa) this is bad news.

Karcuss said...

All i will say is that hard times
and lack of money can cause hardship that can drive people to deperation.

the Legal system will be the Punishment(?) and it is up the said person to ultimatley pay the price, loss of liberty or Family etc.

it is not for us to Judge, but for us, to not to do business with again...
(that is the whole Model community)

Forces further up the chain have the final word on us lot anyhow.

thanks Guys Karcuss

Nicholas Lincoln Glimm said...

Hi Bunkermeister,
What a sorry story, but thanks for sharing it - I'll have a hard time finding a shop with their range... Any suggestions/recommendations in terms of a replacement? Interesting that Peter Jackson shares our hobby, though. I enjoy your blog - keep up the good work!
All the best,
Craig

Karcuss said...

Just a heads up but Peter jackson very big on WW1 (the Great War, the war to end all wars) All on NZ, etc
But Wing Nut Models 1/32 aircraft, and stuff with the Perry Brothers as in 1/32 NZ figures.

Have a look

thanks Bunker Just telling everybody

cheers Karcuss

ccm2361 said...

Sad
I too have bought things from them on several occaisions.

Karcuss said...

I think that
As said He thought that PJ was a source out of his problem (He is Rich he won't notice till i pay him back sceanario), and us as the little man are un-involved
Has anyone heard of anything else
So i think the rank and File have been left alone???

All i am saying is don't Judge him to harshly, and i will leave it there as it is Bunkers Blog we are on not a Forum

thanks Bunker

cheers Karcuss

Mike Bunkermeister Creek said...

According to news reports, this is the second time this person has stolen money from others to try and keep his business afloat. As a cop, I would rather not spend my with crooks.

Always Model is a good source for plastic figures.

Brookhurst Hobbies is a good all round hobby shop.

Hannants is a great hobby shop in the UK.

Pegasus Hobbies is good for figures and other hobby items.

Squadron Shop in Texas.

There are many choices, check the links on Plastic Soldier Review as well as here for many quality retailers.