Over two years ago, I left some family leather heirlooms with the "Leather Shop", in Guthrie, OK, for repair and restoration. I went ahead and paid cash in full at that time ($325) as a show of good faith. During the next couple of years, I made several calls and a couple of visits, to find out how things were progressing. Time and again I was told that they were extremely busy, taking on new work (which pushed mine to the back even though full payment had already been made), relocating, and the need to hire someone to help out. This past month I called once again, and was given the same run around. At that point, I decided to go get my items back, as I had no indication that they were ever going to work on my items, at least not in the very near future. The encounter that took place when I went to pick up my items was beyond anything that either myself or my wife had ever experienced from a business owner. When I asked for my items and reimbursement of my payment, I was accused of coming into the store with attitude. I was then informed that they did not offer refunds. I asked where that was written, and was told that it had been done verbally and that it was my word against his. At this point, the business owner went into what I can only describe as a rage. His demeanor, language and tone, were extremely concerning. So much so, that I was afraid that the police were going to have to be called in to calm him down, so that I could at least get my items back without them being damaged. After his ranting, he said that I could either leave the items for him to work on, or take them and lose what money I had already paid him. I told him that I would be speaking with my lawyer about the money, but wanted my items returned now as I could not trust that my items would even exist any longer if left in his care. With that, he grabbed the boots and slammed them on his workbench exclaiming "here's your sh&*". I then slammed them down as well, and turned and left the shop with my property. I cannot attest to how good of a job he does, as nothing of mine was worked on except having applied some oil to my Grandfather's leather pistol case. I can, however, state that this is the most unprofessional business owner that I have ever dealt with, and warn others to be extremely selective if you intend to have anything worked on by him. Get everything in writing, and insure that you do not pay in full as I mistakenly did. By doing so, there is no incentive for him to meet his obligation in supplying service in a timely manner. BUYER BEWARE! read more
