In February, 2014, I began thinking of moving permanently from Michigan to Florida. I contacted Eddie Merchant to obtain a quote to ferry my plane from Michigan to Florida. The following provides verbatim passages from the various emails from me and from Eddie:
2/22 from JG: Can you tell me what the charge would be to ferry my plane from Kalamazoo (KAZO) to St. Augustine (KSGJ)?
2/22 from EM: Could maybe in done in 2 days or 3,I will charge you 1000.00 plus minimal expensives.
5/9 from JG: Please provide a quote and provide info/Pitts experience for the pilot that will be doing the ferrying.
5/9 from EM: I charge 500.00 per day plus expenses.We will keep the costs as low as possible,while having the care of your aircraft in mind. …
I always offer a money back guarantee,if you don't like what we do,don't pay me ! I have never had a unsatisfied customer.
5/10 from JG: On 2/22, you said the following: "I will charge you $1000 + minimal expenses. We would like your business.” Can you help me understand what has changed.
5/10 from EM: Ok;thats what I will do.
5/12 from EM: I will have the info you need in a day or two,have calls in to my Pilots and deciding on who to schedule for this trip.
5/13 from JG: I would like to have it moved on or after June 1.
5/15 from EM: Just waiting for calls back with regard to schedules.No problem,it just takes a while,will get back to you ASAP.
5/16 from EM: The Pilot for this trip will be ,Mr. Xxxx Xxxxxxx. … You can provide the funds in the form of a money order or bank draft or ? These days in Iowa, personal checks are a pain.
5/19 from EM: Here is the pilot info. you need. … If you can send the deposit ASAP,the schedule is set.
5/19 from JG: I will send a $500 money order tomorrow.
5/20 from JG: Can you tell me how this will work.
5/21 from EM: I will have answers to your Questions tomorrow.I am really busy now.
5/26 from JG: Can you tell me how this will work.
5/26 from EM: I will,Going to be out of pocket for a day on half.Have a call into Xxxx,so I can answer your questions.
6/2 from EM: Xxxx is really busy as of late.I am going to find another Pilot,for your flight.Will get back to you,ASAP.
6/2 from JG: I am not comfortable with what is happening. Please stop and send my $500 back.
6/2 from EM: Do you know how much TIME ,I have in this deal,and your going to cancel??????REALLY.NO!!!!!
6/22 from JG: Are you going to send my $500 deposit back?
6/22 from EM: I did a lot of footwork,phone calls and my TIME spent on helping you out,Then you decide you don't want our services.
If I divide my time spent on helping you into 500.00,it's less than min. wage!!!!! I am so sick of you guys wasting my time and energy
and then cancelling at the last moment. I will send your $ back with a bill for over 500.00.for my Time.Fair enough!!!
Every services in this country is getting sick of this type of behavior.
The following is what I learned from this experience:
Eddie gave me a low price at the beginning and then he tried to increase it.
Eddie would commit to provide me with info by a certain date but he would not provide it.
On two occasions, I asked for specifics as to how the ferry process worked but Eddie never responded.
Eddie stated that he always offered a money back guarantee and that he has never had an unsatisfied customer.
It appears that neither statement is true.
So, what is my recommendation? Be very careful in dealing with Eddie Merchant. If you must, I strongly recommend that you do not give him any money up front.