HERO RESTORATION - BOOKS NOT BEING RETURNED 20 20

[Hero Restoration]

On 6/23/2023 at 11:12 PM, Microchip said:

Do a CGC, stick to your guns, your books will arrive when it arrives, and we'll put the prices up.

There big guys get the excuses made for them, and the little guy gets pushed around and harassed because he's reachable.

 

I'm glad somebody gets it. 

[Hero Restoration]

On 6/23/2023 at 8:59 PM, Nick Furious said:

I would call that a false equivalency, but that wouldn't even come close to recognizing the difference in the two situations.  I don't think anyone ever felt they were in danger of losing their books to CGC closing up shop and disappearing.  Or in danger of the only remaining employee becoming incapacitated if he doesn't stop working and get the surgery that has been implied.   I don't think there was ever a concern that CGC had run out of money, or the only remaining grader/shipper/everything guy was dealing with a difficult health situation.  

No you're right, instead you have to worry about some new guy popping staples on your book or a new grader giving you a lower grade than you should have given been given. how about that quality control where books just get laminated into the edge of the inner well and ship that way. Always best in numbers right? Or how about when your book sat in a box in receiving for 8 weeks and all they could tell you is they're in there somewhere.

[quicksilver]

Mike, I just checked on dates as best I can, and you’ve had all three of my books for over six years now.

I just want the books back. That’s all I care about.

Am I ‘not getting it’ ?

Edited June 24, 2023 by quicksilver

[jimjum12]

On 6/24/2023 at 2:15 AM, Hero Restoration said:

Yes, it would. I have been considering that for some time, but I never dreamed I would have to include any clients. Maybe it's my resistance, and my desire to fix as many as I can that is the problem. Maybe my problem is just not knowing when to throw in the towel. I always say to myself well this book just needs that, that order just needs a spinal. Be real shame not to finish. Which would be okay except the time to get it to finish is not happening so choosing quality over quitting is only making things worse for me.

... It sounds to me like you need to "take five". Do some soul searching and a thorough reality check. Sometimes the answer won't come until we quit struggling. It's not too late for you to remain Hero Restoration instead of Villain Restoration. Maybe you could offer choices to the affected ... many may choose to be patient and wait. GOD BLESS ...

-jimbo(a friend of jesus)

[Hero Restoration]

On 6/23/2023 at 9:01 PM, skypinkblu said:

I'm still sorry that you are ill...no one wants you to be in pain or danger, but this statement doesn't make a lot of sense. 

You've had some books for 5 years? You were OK, 5 years ago...You've had some books for 3 years...you were OK, 3 years ago.  We aren't talking about people who sent you books a few weeks ago.

You are not CGC, you are not the Post Office, you are you...and perhaps the first statement you made here that really makes sense is you took on too much work.

So once again, just take the pieces and put them in smaller chunks. Send back the books that were due 5 years ago, then 4, then 3, etc.

As for not having the funds...when you expanded you used these people's funds before you gave them something in return for the money. How you can think that's OK, is disturbing.

How do you think banks function and spend money on loans? That doesn't all come from Fannie Mae or the government, it comes from savings. Haven't you noticed savings rates of gone up? Banks are running out of money as we speak. They need that long-term savings for those long-term loans they bought. I don't ever recall saying I think that's okay, I can only do what I can do. Can I go back and change the mistakes that I made or the wrong decisions? No instead all I can do is the best I can with what I got. 

Also your presumptions about what things were like 5 years ago, or 3 years ago is just that a presumption. Nobody cares about my problems and I don't care to share them. Did I go through a nasty divorce after 30 years? Yes did I have to move everything from one place to another? Yes did that disrupt production? Hell yes come on. I'm not looking for excuses, but your logic is flawed. I'm just a guy who tried to do something bigger than he could handle and regretted it. Now I'm just trying to do what I can to make things right, but unfortunately the request exceed my abilities. It's not much more complicated than that. I never asked for people to feel sorry for me because of my health, my god! The last thing I wanted was everybody to know about my heart again that triggered and then saying tsunami of request to cancel. I get it, they're worried I'm going to die and they're not going to get their books back. People don't realize that their reactions or actions can make things worse rather than better. That's not necessarily their problem either, but is one of those is what it is. Things again. It's a big mess, and I never wanted customers to be part of it. This thread is only making that problem worse, and giving more people who did not have a need for concern concern. I know my opinion is a conflict of interest, but it is also simple observation. Most of the complainers make it seem black and white, and leave out a ton of different details.

[Microchip]

On 6/24/2023 at 4:28 PM, Hero Restoration said:

Did I go through a nasty divorce after 30 years?

Bingo!

 

Divorce -

Step 1: get a million dollars, put it in trash bag, take it into the back yard.   Set fire to the bag.

Step 2: Step 1 is the easiest part.

Edited June 24, 2023 by Microchip

[thehumantorch]

On 6/24/2023 at 12:21 AM, quicksilver said:

Mike, I just checked on dates as best I can, and you’ve had all three of my books for over six years now.

I just want the books back. That’s all I care about.

Am I ‘not getting it’ ?

6 years?  Oh god.  You must have paid for fastest track

[DougC]

Posted below is something that was brought up privately as well as being discussed on another forum. Take all of this with an iceberg of salt as I do not know the exact time frames but please verify with the wayback machine a snapshot of the Terms and Conditions that customers potentially agreed to when attempting to purchase service:

These are specific from the website on 9/28/2020

Quote

Terms & Conditions

Insurance:
Hero Restoration LLC has property insurance through Collectable Insurance Services. This insurance covers your property while it is at Hero Restoration, and during shipping from hero Restoration to its destination. If needed, for books that will be at Hero Restoration for an extended period, our underwriter can provide you with a document naming you and your property. 

Payment for pressing:
Typically, payment is made after we have received and inventoried the books before requesting payment for pressing, since some clients want the books inspected for restoration or graded, (additional fee) first. If you are certain you want all the books pressed, you can request a total before you ship, by providing the forms, and include payment with the books.

Payment for restoration:
Payment for restoration is due upon agreement of the work, and turn around time starts when paid in full. Payment reserves your place in line to have the work done. This seems to be the fairest way to do books in the proper order, and to avoid more sent then what can be paid for in a timely manner. If multiple books are sent, the first payment will be required for all books at the same time. We can make some exceptions in this case but if you pay for one book at a time it may cause delays, since others will have submitted books to do, and push yours further back in line. The only time additional cost is added after payment is if the client agrees to more work after the fact, or the client decides more insurance should be added for the return shipping. 

 

Preferred payment method for CGC fees:
The best and accurate way to pay for the CGC fees is by debit/credit card. There is a place on the submission form for the information needed. This will be entered in on the CGC form, and you will receive an e-mail from us informing you the total cost. CGC will charge your card once they receive the books. 

Shipping to HR:
The two requirements for shipping books to Hero Restoration are that you send USPS and signature is required. This is so that without a doubt the books have been delivered to the right address. DO NOT SEND FEX-EX/UPS. It is recommended to ship books in a box, (better yet, box in a box) rather than an envelope. It is also recommended to ship books registered mail or express for increased security. If you wish to send any other method than registered, adding more than $200 insurance will get you signature included for free. 

Shipping to client/CGC/CBCS:
The amount of insurance is determined by the clients stated value of the books. Shipping to CGC, CBCS, Wata, or to client is by USPS priority, signature required. Hero Restoration LLC is not liable for the value of the collectible if USPS loses or damages the collectible. Hero Restoration will file a claim and transfer any payment by USPS/Collectible Insurance Services to the client. 

Liability:
It is very rare that a book is damaged from any of the processes performed by Hero Restoration LLC, but the potential for it to happen is possible. Hero Restoration LLC takes as many precautions as possible to prevent damage from occurring. Because of the interactive nature of pressing, damage is always a possibility. This usually happens due to comic books in fragile condition, which includes books that are tanned or brittle, spines exhibiting splits, loose paper on the staples, or pieces that are barely attached. Because it is impossible to ensure that damage will not occur, Hero Restoration LLC will not be held liable for split spines, covers or pages detached from staples, or detached pieces. In submitting books to Hero Restoration LLC, the customer acknowledges and accepts the risk for the potential of damage, and that Hero Restoration LLC, and its owner’s will not be held legally or monetarily responsible or liable for damage to any book caused by handling or processes performed on the book. Customer satisfaction is very important, if any damage does occur that is our fault, Hero Restoration in good faith will try to find a resolution that will be satisfactory to the client. Except for any express warranties set forth in these terms and conditions, company disclaims any and all warranties, express or implied, regarding company and/or the services, including but not limited to the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. except as otherwise expressly set forth in the applicable guarantee, the maximum aggregate liability that company shall have to the customer, or any third party for whom the customer may be acting, arising from any cause, act, omission or other circumstance, shall in no event exceed the services fee or fees paid by the customer for the services ordered pursuant to this submission form. in no event shall company or any of its affiliates, or any of its or their respective employees, officers, directors or agents, be liable to customer or any other party for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential or exemplary damages, even if advised of the possibility of such damages, and except as otherwise expressly set forth in the applicable guarantee in no event shall the aggregate liability of company, its affiliates, and any of its or their respective employees, officers, directors or agents, exceed the fees paid or payable to company for the services.

Restore & Protect your investments today and also save on your CGC or CBCS submission.

As both a CGC & CBCS Authorized Dealer, we can offer the best discount on your submissions. Be it for a simple dry cleaning and pressing, or a full complete restoration you will get the best savings if you decide to submit to either grading company afterwards.

These are pretty cut/paste boiler plate and do not change really for the next couple of years, there is a minor graphical change as the website was updated.

The major change occurred on 03/28/203 were we see the "current" NO REFUNDS SUCKA! terms and conditions. This is also the exact same date that the new authorized representative (changed from Mike in 11/22) filed the paperwork for dissolution: Business Entity Filing Records - 113157499.

Changing T&S then trying to hold customers hostage under the new terms isn't legal, but we all know by now that they money is long gone.

Here are some meme's..

 

[Hero Restoration]

I made mistakes, and I am very sorry. I tried to build a company that could run without me, so that these concerns wouldn't continue to come up and cause the concern it is causing now. It was selfish of me wanting to build something big enough that I could be remembered after. I'm gone for doing something good. I realize that now. Dust in the wind, that's what I should have been happy with.

[KCOComics]

On 6/24/2023 at 2:28 AM, Hero Restoration said:

How do you think banks function and spend money on loans? That doesn't all come from Fannie Mae or the government, it comes from savings. Haven't you noticed savings rates of gone up? Banks are running out of money as we speak. They need that long-term savings for those long-term loans they bought. I don't ever recall saying I think that's okay, I can only do what I can do. Can I go back and change the mistakes that I made or the wrong decisions? No instead all I can do is the best I can with what I got. 

Also your presumptions about what things were like 5 years ago, or 3 years ago is just that a presumption. Nobody cares about my problems and I don't care to share them. Did I go through a nasty divorce after 30 years? Yes did I have to move everything from one place to another? Yes did that disrupt production? Hell yes come on. I'm not looking for excuses, but your logic is flawed. I'm just a guy who tried to do something bigger than he could handle and regretted it. Now I'm just trying to do what I can to make things right, but unfortunately the request exceed my abilities. It's not much more complicated than that. I never asked for people to feel sorry for me because of my health, my god! The last thing I wanted was everybody to know about my heart again that triggered and then saying tsunami of request to cancel. I get it, they're worried I'm going to die and they're not going to get their books back. People don't realize that their reactions or actions can make things worse rather than better. That's not necessarily their problem either, but is one of those is what it is. Things again. It's a big mess, and I never wanted customers to be part of it. This thread is only making that problem worse, and giving more people who did not have a need for concern concern. I know my opinion is a conflict of interest, but it is also simple observation. Most of the complainers make it seem black and white, and leave out a ton of different details.

 

 Look,  there are many truths that aren't mutually exclusive. You are obviously very talented.  You built a good reputation and you tried to expand.

Honestly,  if you strip everything else out of your response, you've clearly had a tough few years. Divorce, theft, health issues. It's alot and I'm sorry you are going through it. 

This situation probably seems insurmountable, but I think you need to step back,  prioritize and give yourself some clarity. 

I don't think you are doing yourself any favors with these responses. You probably feel ganged up on and that won't stop with definitions of libel. 

You do owe your customers a polite response with options.  That needs to include timing for different options that you can realistically hit. 

Don't be defensive, because regardless of what was said here or what has happened in your personal life,  this isn't the customers fault. Just work with them individually on a reasonable solution. 

[Hero Restoration]

On 6/24/2023 at 12:16 AM, DougC said:

Posted below is something that was brought up privately as well as being discussed on another forum. Take all of this with an iceberg of salt as I do not know the exact time frames but please verify with the wayback machine a snapshot of the Terms and Conditions that customers potentially agreed to when attempting to purchase service:

These are specific from the website on 9/28/2020

These are pretty cut/paste boiler plate and do not change really for the next couple of years, there is a minor graphical change as the website was updated.

The major change occurred on 03/28/203 were we see the "current" NO REFUNDS SUCKA! terms and conditions. This is also the exact same date that the new authorized representative (changed from Mike in 11/22) filed the paperwork for dissolution: Business Entity Filing Records - 113157499.

Changing T&S then trying to hold customers hostage under the new terms isn't legal, but we all know by now that they money is long gone.

Here are some meme's..

 

Gosh, you really are a giant . Seriously, as a paralegal you must have worked for a civil attorney. Those working both side jerks rip you off and give you nothing, but more headaches.

Whatever it is you're trying to point out is moot. Nobody has respect for terms, contracts,or  reading them first. Doesn't matter if they've changed over time, if you don't respect it them you don't respect it and the only way you do is if it's a company that can enforce it. So it really doesn't matter what the term say, apparently you can cancel a purchase at any time, for any reason and expect a full refund and in a timely manner. And at the other party doesn't comply. Then you just find a workaround like a charge back right? Take the law on your own hands. Isn't that what you're doing now? The terms and agreement was never meant to be a hard stand. All I did was try to take the experience and knowledge from bigger and older companies. Who've gone through it already and prepare myself just in case. It doesn't matter in the end, nobody reads them. Nobody respects them. You've already proven as a retired paralegal, the law doesn't matter to you, only how you can get around it, right?  You think I just come up with these terms out of thin air? Where is the real smoking gun? That question of course was rhetorical, as I am pretty sure you do not care about trying to fry a fish bigger than yourself. Kudos to you for picking on the little guy. 👍

[DougC]

On 6/24/2023 at 2:18 AM, Hero Restoration said:

I made mistakes, and I am very sorry. I tried to build a company that could run without me, so that these concerns wouldn't continue to come up and cause the concern it is causing now. It was selfish of me wanting to build something big enough that I could be remembered after. I'm gone for doing something good. I realize that now. Dust in the wind, that's what I should have been happy with.

 

Although contrite this probably took a lot of effort if not resolve and is actually a good step to moving forward. The next step I would assume is a blanket email to all customers asking directly if they want their books returned (without refund) or to continue being "worked" on. Once all books have been returned to those that have requested it, work can continue on those that decided to stay.

I am serious when I say the above statement probably took a lot, given your previous statements.

Edit: never mind, I retract the above; you are not the victim in this that has come to terms with bad decisions, you are the perpetrator that has preyed on people and refuse to understand why they are finally fighting back.

On 6/24/2023 at 2:35 AM, Hero Restoration said:

Gosh, you really are a giant . Seriously, as a paralegal you must have worked for a civil attorney. Those working both side jerks rip you off and give you nothing, but more headaches.

Whatever it is you're trying to point out is moot. Nobody has respect for terms, contracts,or  reading them first. Doesn't matter if they've changed over time, if you don't respect it them you don't respect it and the only way you do is if it's a company that can enforce it. So it really doesn't matter what the term say, apparently you can cancel a purchase at any time, for any reason and expect a full refund and in a timely manner. And at the other party doesn't comply. Then you just find a workaround like a charge back right? Take the law on your own hands. Isn't that what you're doing now? The terms and agreement was never meant to be a hard stand. All I did was try to take the experience and knowledge from bigger and older companies. Who've gone through it already and prepare myself just in case. It doesn't matter in the end, nobody reads them. Nobody respects them. You've already proven as a retired paralegal, the law doesn't matter to you, only how you can get around it, right?  You think I just come up with these terms out of thin air? Where is the real smoking gun? That question of course was rhetorical, as I am pretty sure you do not care about trying to fry a fish bigger than yourself. Kudos to you for picking on the little guy. 👍

Edited June 24, 2023 by DougC
I was mistaken

[Hero Restoration]

On 6/24/2023 at 12:41 AM, DougC said:

 

Although contrite this probably took a lot of effort if not resolve and is actually a good step to moving forward. The next step I would assume is a blanket email to all customers asking directly if they want their books returned (without refund) or to continue being "worked" on. Once all books have been returned to those that have requested it, work can continue on those that decided to stay.

I am serious when I say the above statement probably took a lot, given your previous statements.

Yep that just about covers it. Goodbye everyone. It's likely my exile will be complete by Monday.

[Microchip]

On 6/24/2023 at 5:11 PM, thehumantorch said:

On 6/24/2023 at 4:21 PM, quicksilver said:

Mike, I just checked on dates as best I can, and you’ve had all three of my books for over six years now.

I just want the books back. That’s all I care about.

Am I ‘not getting it’ ?

6 years?  Oh god.  You must have paid for fastest track

He checked give or take an hour ago... as for the precedding 52,560 hours, he didn't seem to be too overly concerned.

Extensive professional resto work isn't quick work.   Check the industry 

His Batman #1 took 6 years.   

[L'Angelo Misterioso]

On 6/24/2023 at 3:49 AM, Hero Restoration said:

Yep that just about covers it. Goodbye everyone. It's likely my exile will be complete by Monday.

Thief

[Hero Restoration]

On 6/24/2023 at 12:41 AM, DougC said:

 

Although contrite this probably took a lot of effort if not resolve and is actually a good step to moving forward. The next step I would assume is a blanket email to all customers asking directly if they want their books returned (without refund) or to continue being "worked" on. Once all books have been returned to those that have requested it, work can continue on those that decided to stay.

I am serious when I say the above statement probably took a lot, given your previous statements.

Edit: never mind, I retract the above; you are not the victim in this that has come to terms with bad decisions, you are the perpetrator that has preyed on people and refuse to understand why they are finally fighting back.

See, all it took was one response, and you switched back to the other side before I realized my knee jerk reaction, and could delete it  Oh well.

I never insisted I was the victim, although it does feel like that at  times, but I believe the real victims are clients that have to suffer because I am under attack.  The attacks against me over time have made me cynical, I see that now. I think it's just time to call it, and fold. The clients that are already aware, and willing to stick it out will get their work done eventually. Only thing I can do for everyone else is a professional wind down, and wind up. I will let the attorneys take it from here.

[Hero Restoration]

For the record, I am so close to done on QS 29, it eats away at my soul.

The actions are still ugly, but I have over 40 hrs on each of those so far. Hard to quit on books you are in the middle of, very hard.

[Microchip]

On 6/24/2023 at 6:17 PM, Hero Restoration said:

For the record, I am so close to done on QS 29, it eats away at my soul.

The actions are still ugly, but I have over 40 hrs on each of those so far. Hard to quit on books you are in the middle of, very hard.

How many more hours are required on each book to finish the Actions?

[Larryw7]

This is just sad.

[thewritestuff]

On 6/24/2023 at 3:49 AM, Microchip said:

He checked give or take an hour ago... as for the precedding 52,560 hours, he didn't seem to be too overly concerned.

Extensive professional resto work isn't quick work.   Check the industry 

His Batman #1 took 6 years.   

Your response  is absurd.