ACQNET: RE - Non-delivery of orders: State Mutual Books & Periodical Service (several responses)

(1)---------------------------------------------------
Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 18:34:04 -0500
From: Floyd Zula (CA State-Fullerton) <fzula_at_Exchange.FULLERTON.EDU>
Subject: RE - Non-delivery of orders: State Mutual Books & Periodical 
Service

I was surprised to learn that this firm is still in business.  Twenty or 
twenty-five
years ago I vaguely recall checking their address in a paper copy of 
BIP.  The firm
is infamous for its poor customer service.  It probably exists out of a 
PO box in NYC
and still demands prepays for publications that you may or may not ever 
see.  
These latter two characteristics combined should always put you on guard.  
As an acquisitions person I decline to deal with them.    
 
Floyd M. Zula,  Co-Coordinator,
Acquisitions and Database Services (ADS) /Art Bibliographer
Pollak Library, California State University
800 N. State College Boulevard
Fullerton, CA 92834-4150
(714)278-2366;fax: (714)278-7497
fzula_at_fullerton.edu


Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2004 08:57:20 -0500
From:  Lorry Zeugner (Notre Dame U. ) <Lorenzo.A.Zeugner.1_at_nd.edu>
Subject:  RE - Non-delivery of orders: State Mutual Books & Periodical 
Service

Dear Ms. Chan,

It comes as no surprise that you are having problems with State Mutual
Books & Periodical Service.  They are one of a number of disreputable
publishers in this country.  They have been on our "Do Not Use Publisher
List " for over two decades.  I have very little hope that you will have a
successful outcome from your dealings with them.

Sincerely,
Lorry Zeugner

Lorenzo A. Zeugner, Jr.                                   
Head, Acquisitions 
Department                                                
124 Hesburgh 
Library                                                                
University of Notre Dame                        
Notre Dame, IN. 46556-5629                      

Phone 574) 631-6189
Fax   (574) 631-8273
e-mail zeugner.1_at_nd.edu

Ed. Note:  Several other replies came in that repeat the same information. 
Furthermore, a reputable book vendor representative suggests that Ms.
Chan's "library contact the US Post Office for help in this. The funds were
probably sent by mail thus making it a possible postal fraud case."

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Original message:

Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 1:57 am
From: Cindy Chan (Open Univ. of Hong Kong) <bychan_at_ouhk.edu.hk 
<mailto:bychan_at_ouhk.edu.hk>>
Subject: Non-delivery of orders: State Mutual Books & Periodical Service

Has anyone experienced prepayment requirements and non-delivery of
books from State Mutual Books & Periodical Service? They are not
reachable but only with a recorded message and never responded to
any kind of communication.

1) We would appreciate in hearing more about what other
libraries/institutions are intending to do in this situation. What 
policies,
advice and guidelines to handle write off prepaid outstanding order.

2) Do you have any contacts of debt collection agents in USA (perhaps
somewhere near Bridgehampton, New York) providing such service to
help chase up. What about the charge for such service?

You may answer me directly or to the list. Any information or advice
is appreciated. 

Thanks for your help. 

Cindy Chan
Assistant Librarian ll
Acquisitions Department
OUHK Library
Tel: 852-2768-6779
Fax: 852-2789-3530
Email: bychan_at_ouhk.edu.hk


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