interesting email with "watchbuddy" (WHAT A JERK)

apco25 · Post by **apco25** » Sun Jun 08, 2003 7:31 pm

Here is some excerpts from several emails I had with watchbudy this evening. I'm not posting the full headers unless someone wants to see them privately.

A lot of good and bad comments fly round here regarding, him, his radios and his customer service or lack thereof.

I had originally ask him if there was any pricing incentive if I purchased 3 Astro Saber III or XTS3K (1 of each band, UHF VHF 800)
since I would be spending at least $3,000. I was thinking along the lines of say $100 off the purchase total price.

This is the response I got complete with animated icon of someone bending over and mooning someone.

At 07:41 AM 6/7/2003 -0700, you wrote:

No They Are $1000.00

Can you do a better price if I would be interested in 1 of each band? Also how many ASIII do you have left in UHF?

I have about 22 units in stock! This is the best new units will ever get I have been doing Astros for over 10-years and I control the pricing in this market so I welcome you to seek a better deal which I know I only am able to offer!

Actually I think you might have missunderstood me, what I was asking is if I purchased one of each band at the same time would there be any pricing incentive.

Sorry About That!
Yah I Get Richer And You Pay More! What A Deal!
Bill
PS: Go To Someone Else And Buy I Don't need Your Thrift Shop Deals!

Sorry you took offense, none was intended, I just thought when buying 3k worth of equipment that maybe $100 or $200 off the total was possible.

In any event... I didn't ask you a flippant question, but your response surely is. Touche. I'll just take my money elsewhere.
Thanks.

We Do Not Accept Food Stamps You Have Been Blocked from Over 10 Auction Sellers have A Great Weekend If You Hurry Radio Shack Is Open Until 6:00PM Bill

10-4 Lt. However you will now have to pay more and most likely you will still end up buying one of our radios from one of many thousand happy customers who are not rude with the cheap asking questions .

I didn't think I was rude, just polite and asking a simple question. Yet I get this really arrogant and pissy reply back? What gives? I thought "watchbuddy" gave great service even if it was slow sometimes?

Needless to say I wouldn't buy anything from anyone with this kind of piss poor business attitude.

This isn't about him or his radios, but business practices in general. I'd expect anyone selling a product from radios to packs of Llamas to at least have respect and courtesy for the current or potential customer.

Alex, sorry if this starts a massive flame war. That's not my intent with the posting.

Post by **alex** » Sun Jun 08, 2003 7:40 pm

You know, I don't know Nick personally, and I can relate to you not really being too amused by his responses, but I think sometimes - he just likes to get a rise out of people.

He's even asked me if I have a sense of humor. This is from mostly emailing. Then again, some of my friends wonder if I have a sense of humor or not.

But, read everything else here - most people believe he's a pain to deal with - I suffered a wait when I purchased a 3500 from him - but it was well worth it, and he took care of me.

Either way, You'd still be hard pressed to find like new radios from anywhere else.

Honestly - give it a day or two, and email him again. Ask him straight out for a quote for your 3 radios, and he'll prob. email you back what he wants to sell to you at. Sometimes it's just the way the guy works.

-Alex

(Yes, we have beaten the Nick topic almost to the center of the earth...)

cbus · Post by **cbus** » Sun Jun 08, 2003 11:35 pm

hold up here, for a brand new astro saber III good old motorola wanted over 3 grand for each unit. I know that they are no longer sold by motorola but nicks radios are built by him and are brand new with no use. $1000 seems like a good price for a brand new, never used astro radio. go into a radio shop and ask for an astro radio, the first question they ask you is are you paying on credit as the price they ask is well over 1grand for a used astro most of the time. (and with no warranty. nick gives 12 months)

apco25 · Post by **apco25** » Mon Jun 09, 2003 8:18 am

Its not about the pricing guys.... I never said the pricing wasn't reasonable. I just asked a question. It is the response I'm irked about.

ASTROMODAT · Post by **ASTROMODAT** » Mon Jun 09, 2003 4:51 pm

$1,000 for a new ASTRO is a darn good price. I can see why he took offense. You might try appologizing, but it may be too late---you may have been banned for life.

Larry

Scott1563 · Post by **Scott1563** » Mon Jun 09, 2003 5:28 pm

Nick is a jerk when he gets upset, problem is he gets upset about everything nomatter how small it is, he has no professionalism and I don't think that was such a bad question to inquire on a discount if the guy was buying 3 radios. even if Nicks price are good. Motorola's prices are high but if you ask about a discount they don't treat you like an infurior person Nick thinks he's Gods gift to the radio business and that may be but he should treat people with some respect. Maybe if everyone stopped buying from him then he might change is attitude, but I doubt it.

Scott

ASTROMODAT · Post by **ASTROMODAT** » Mon Jun 09, 2003 5:53 pm

At this point, his best bet would be to crawl back and politely (and kindly!) plead with Nick to see if he'd be willing to sell to him, IF he gives Nick a 50% premium. Offer him $4,500 CASH (and pay for the shipping) for three ASTROs. Since he got him irritated, at this point he should try to buy his way out of it. Just a suggestion. Otherwise, if he goes to Motorola, he'll need about $15,000 or more for three ASTROs. If Nick agrees to $4,500, he got off cheap.

Larry

JAYMZ · Post by **JAYMZ** » Mon Jun 09, 2003 5:59 pm

I saw the animated icon that he sent Alex. He and I spoke about it to some length last night..

It comes down to a respect issue I think. Obviously this loser thinks his sh!t don't stink and he can't entertain questions from potential customers appropriately. That is just bad business practice... plain and simple. Why would anyone buy form you if you treat your customers like they are worthless? My opinion is I won't buy anything from that loser based on his childish reactions to a reasonable question.

ASTROMODAT · Post by **ASTROMODAT** » Mon Jun 09, 2003 6:04 pm

It's called capitalism---Nick owns the used ASTRO market. Like it, or lump it. You can take your business elsewhere, and pay more for crummy radios. Have at it!

Larry

Jonathan KC8RYW · Post by **Jonathan KC8RYW** » Mon Jun 09, 2003 6:13 pm

This guy must be related to Nick... "No soup for you!"
Or in this case, "No Astro Saber III for you!"

ASTROMODAT wrote:It's called capitalism---Nick owns the used ASTRO market. Like it, or lump it. You can take your business elsewhere, and pay more for crummy radios. Have at it!

Larry

If this is "capitalism" at its best, then perhaps socialism doesn't look so bad after all...

By the way, I'm just kidding; I think?

Johnny Galaga · Post by **Johnny Galaga** » Mon Jun 09, 2003 7:18 pm

http://batboard.batlabs.com/viewtopic.php?t=13287

http://batboard.batlabs.com/viewtopic.php?t=10476

JAYMZ · Post by **JAYMZ** » Mon Jun 09, 2003 7:30 pm

ASTROMODAT wrote:It's called capitalism---Nick owns the used ASTRO market. Like it, or lump it. You can take your business elsewhere, and pay more for crummy radios. Have at it!

Larry

Sounds more like "Nick" is going to capitalize himself out of business with his inconsistencies and lack of respect for the potential customer.

ASTROMODAT · Post by **ASTROMODAT** » Mon Jun 09, 2003 7:43 pm

I assume you know I am being very facetious!

BTW, great picture of the Soup Nazi! I LOVE Seinfeld!

He had a great episode where Kramer got banned for life from the local fruit store. It was hillarious!

Larry

Scott1563 · Post by **Scott1563** » Mon Jun 09, 2003 9:40 pm

I heard a rumor that he is being investigated by the feds but like I said it's just a rumor. I surely won't buy another radio from him after the way he treated me.

Scott

Dale Earnhardt · Post by **Dale Earnhardt** » Mon Jun 09, 2003 9:55 pm

hehe, wait another 8-11 years, the astro would be 100bucks each haha lol

Like my friend Mr. Flashport said, in the future I would be saying soo whats with all those astros???? Ooh all those are just for parts for this 1 astro I have lol.

apco25 · Post by **apco25** » Mon Jun 09, 2003 10:00 pm

Jaymz and Scott got the point in this matter.

Good business practice on whatever the product might be does not include the type of responces I got. A simple, "we're pretty firm on the pricing" is all he had to say. If I choose to by parts built radios at that point from him... the email exchange, had it been a courteous one wouldn't have mattered and I would not have given it a second thought.

However, I wouldn't do business with anyone that answers questions like this.

I could care less what he's babbling about banning me from. I won't do business with him and I am perfectly happing going out and finding original factory tagged radios instead of expecting to kiss this guys ass for radios that techincally don't exist as legitimate products.

Astro Modat, I'm thinking your soup is doped if you think I should go back and offer MORE money for Nick's radios?

I wouldn't satisfy anyone's ego like that.

ASTROMODAT · Post by **ASTROMODAT** » Mon Jun 09, 2003 11:30 pm

I was just being facetious. I think he was just pushing your buttons, and he was probably not serious.

Larry

Code636 · Post by **Code636** » Wed Jun 11, 2003 7:23 am

Hm, interesting topic...doing deals here for several yrs...and on ebay...only had one person ever treat me like that...and it was over a vhs tape of all things...even left me good feedback at first then followed up w/ threatening ones...so what did I do? Very simple....I watched his bids and contacted the bidders and forwarded our emails and let them judge whether to do business with this person, and then I told him I was doing it. Now, I didnt instruct people not to buy, just showed them this guys treatment of customers and let them decide if they wanted to do business with him..shortly thereafter I not only got my tape but a refund as well, and 2/3 weeks later he was no longer a reg. user..go figure.

My point..? Simple..its your money...getting what you want at what your willing to spend is whats important...no matter how good a deal is, if your not satisfied....then go somewhere else. If someone insults me and wants to feel better about themself by now having you pay more money? simply ask them where you can send them a sample pack of prozac...just because you care about them.

As for me? I wouldnt buy from him, but if i know someone who does and gets along with them, send them the money and have them buy it and send to you. your out an extra $10.00 shipping? Worth it to me not to have to deal with them.

Let the Dice fall where they may!!

fireradio · Post by **fireradio** » Wed Jun 11, 2003 8:04 am

I emailed Nick not too long ago asking if he makes or could make any Model I (no keypad/display) AS or XTS, and if so, would there be any significant savings if I purchased a Model I instead of a Model III.

He replied (very politely) that he only makes Model I's every once in a while, mainly because they cost nearly as much to build as the III's. Since the savings is only +/- $100, he said that it isn't worth it for him to make the I's, and he recommended that I just get a III.

Like I said, he was very polite, and I've never done business or talked to him before this email. After my "good" experience with him, I was very surprised to read about APCO25's bad experience.

All very strange...

twowayradio · Post by **twowayradio** » Wed Jun 11, 2003 3:29 pm

I purchased an ASTRO SABER MODEL III from him over a 3 months ago now. I live in Australia so i done a direct deposit into his account. I am still to this day, WITHOUT my radio. He accused me of not paying for the item and that is why he has not sent it.
I followed this up with the banks, and the money WAS CONFIRMED to have entered Nicks account.
I then started to recieve threatening emails from him saying if i do not pay up for the item, he would send ALISTAIR WATTS from NSW to come and bash the :o out of me until i give him the money.
I was dumbfounded, how does a guy like him get off accusing people of such rediculous things after it was confirmed that payment had entered into his account.
I WOULD SAY THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE TO RECIEVE SUCH TREATMENT.

STILL TO THIS DAY, I HAVE NOT GOT MY RADIO SO I REPORTED HIM TO THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES IN HIS STATE LAST TUESDAY, TO WHICH THEY REPLIED, THEY ARE JUST WAITING TO GET ANOTHER BIT OF EVIDENCE AGAINST HIM THEN THEY WILL BE RAIDING HIS PLACE AS HE HAS NOW BEEN DEALING FOR MANY YEARS IN *****STOLEN***** EQUIPMENT WHICH HE HAD BEEN PUTTING TOGETHER TO MAKE THE ASTRO SABERS AND THE XTS3000'S AND SO ON.

I AM JUST LETTING ALL YOU PEOPLE KNOW, NICK
( AKA - WATCHBUDDY ) IS A THIEF AND A CROOK AND I JUST HOPE THAT WHAT HAPPENED TO ME DOES NOT HAPPEN TO ANY OF YOU.

Regards,
Daniel

USPSS · Post by **USPSS** » Wed Jun 11, 2003 4:09 pm

Interesting ITEM: Quote

twowayradio

Joined: 05 Jun 2003
Posts: 8

Posted: 05 Jun 2003 16:05 Post subject: watchbuddy's radios

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

what are watchbuddy's radios like? i am looking at buying one XTS3000 but am unsure as i do not know him. can anyone provide me with info on his radios and himself.

regards,
daniel

Back to top

Now how does he say this other stuff???

wacker13 · Post by **wacker13** » Wed Jun 11, 2003 4:30 pm

I had the same experience when I dealt with him. I payed the money up front for 3 Xts3000 radios and it took over 6 months to get. That was after I had exchanged email with him and he told me on several occaions things were being shipped and gave me UPS numbers but they never came. When I started to complain he told me same thing you dont like it take your business else where. I think that is a poor attitude to have when your in sales. No customers=no business. But in his defense I have to say the radios were in great shape and worth the wait.

apco boy · Post by **apco boy** » Fri Jun 13, 2003 5:15 am

well well well we are still talking about it arent we. i was also stuffed around by nicks workers offsiders what ever you wana call them or maybe even nick himself all i know is that they treated me in such a maner that i would never treat my worst enemy.just remenber there NICK if you are reading this you are nothing without us the customers so a bit of respect goes a long way.and as for you TWOWAYRADIO i hope you get your radio i know how you feel im also in australia and its not nice when you give money to some one on the other side of the world and they stuff you around like that.hey TWOWAYRADIO whos this big hero debt collector ALISTAIR WATTS im in NSW and ive never heard of him.

nitornemo · Post by **nitornemo** » Sat Jun 14, 2003 8:03 pm

apco25 wrote:Here is some excerpts from several emails I had with watchbudy this evening. I'm not posting the full headers unless someone wants to see them privately.

This is the response I got complete with animated icon of someone bending over and mooning someone.

Yah I Get Richer And You Pay More! What A Deal!
Bill

We Do Not Accept Food Stamps You Have Been Blocked from Over 10 Auction Sellers have A Great Weekend If You Hurry Radio Shack Is Open Until 6:00PM Bill
10-4 Lt. However you will now have to pay more and most likely you will still end up buying one of our radios from one of many thousand happy customers who are not rude with the cheap asking questions .

Hmmmm....For the moment I only have one question.....
Who the

is Bill???

I thought this thread was about Nick Deluca AKA-Watchbudy.

Elroy Jetson · Post by **Elroy Jetson** » Sun Jun 15, 2003 2:00 pm

I have never dealt with Watchbuddy, nor do I feel any need to do so.

It looks like he may be a jerk at times, but then again...

If he's got by far the very best deals going on new radios, and you ask for a further discount, then perhaps I can understand why such a request might be met with a bit of hostility. He might think that your yamulka's too tight and shutting off the flow of blood to your brain. (Not that I'm trying to make an ethnic slur or anything...just giving an example of how others might think!)

Personally, I've adopted a policy of NOT haggling over prices when the prices are already very favorable. If I see something going for fifty bucks and somebody's selling it for thirty, I won't even bother to make a 25 dollar offer, I'll be happy to pay thirty.

In any event, I haven't monitored the Watchbuddy radio situation very closely and I'm not at all clear on what the situation is that allows him to build up and sell radios, but I'm very clear on this: If he's using ANY Motorola proprietary tool to create any flashcode he wants, and he's not licensed to use it, then he's heading for a hard fall and I would advise you to stay well away from him because when he falls, he'll squeal like a stuck pig in order to minimize his own troubles.

Regardless of the exact situation, for your own sake, you should consider buying a radio from him to be equivalent to buying stolen equipment. In some technical sense, it might even qualify as that, for all I know.

We're not dealing with MT500's here! Building up radios from assemblies and parts and selling them is one thing if there's no computer code involved, but Astros? The software and firmware issues make that a dangerous business!

Elroy

watchbuddy · Post by **watchbuddy** » Fri Jun 27, 2003 5:32 pm

Not in defense but just to let you all know!
"Twowayradio" from Australia has never paid anything and If he could prove such I would give him TRIPLE his money back stear clear of this guy e-bay agreed with me and suspended him based on the non-paying bidder report and two-others he had I myself was suspended for multiple seller accounts agin! I give up they could have it!

True I am an Old Ass At times but if I am rude just come back and put me in my place I truley love all you guys! However do to someone liking to scream about my pricing I can not compete and sell Astros anymore they are to high I have lost all my parts pricing to make it worth it anymore.

further I will steel honor all my warentees as stated for 1-year and I will always try and help a fellow ham out but do to declining health I have called it an end to the selling of new radios and am currently having some friends sell my inventory at a couple of ham fest and auctions over the next couple of weeks.

Again I really wish all you the best and hope you all have a great life and enjoy this hobby Sometimes we run against a stupid old man and then we think he is a jerk but later he turns out to be the best friend you could ever have!....

Good By, And Thank All Of You
Watchbuddy "Retired" For Good>

Oops

(I Truley Appoligise For Being Rude To The Gentleman That Wanted Three Units I thought He Was Playing Around I Had A Guy The Same Week Do Weired Pricing Request then He Would Say To High Even When I was Giving Them Away!)

jbxx · Post by **jbxx** » Fri Jun 27, 2003 7:36 pm

Sorry to hear that you're quitting the biz, I hope that
you're recovering from your health problems. Have a
wonderfull retirement .
Thanks
JB

RadioGuyBri · Post by **RadioGuyBri** » Fri Jun 27, 2003 8:44 pm

Well, I guess I was the last one to buy one of Nick's radios on Ebay. All I can say is that it was the easiest deal I ever participated with. I got an ASIII for a rockbottom price, sent next day payment on a Monday and had the radio on Wednesday. Brand new and ready to go. I also bugged Nick for 2 days with a technical question via email and he was more than polite in answering and helping me out. Sorry to hear you are out of the business, I am just glad I decided to pull the trigger. I had an xts-3000 and sold it months ago thinking I was going to get out of the hobby but I missed it too much. I do like the ASIII much better both ergometrically and in performance. But that is another thread in itself that has been beaten to death. THanks again Nick.

Brian

MT2000 man · Post by **MT2000 man** » Fri Jun 27, 2003 9:14 pm

I've bought an ASIII from Nick over I'd say 10 months now, GREAT radio, he even had it programmed for me, and ready to go. I've talked to him over the phone several times, VERY nice person to deal with IMO. Sad to hear you getting out of the biz.
I'm also sorry to say that I traded your astro for an MTS2000 with someone named Gun-Depot (he's on E-bay as well) this person screwed me out of money. I traded my ASIII for his MTS and, true his radio did arrive, he never payed me for the rest. (it was supposed to be the ASIII for the MTS plus cash, and he never sent me the cash) this gun-depot guy owes me at least $350, that I'll probably never see.
If anyone knows this guy I'd like to have is E-mail

Elroy Jetson · Post by **Elroy Jetson** » Sat Jun 28, 2003 6:38 am

Why on earth would you even CONSIDER downgrading your equipment like that?

The difference beween an MTS2000 and an Astro Saber is such that no amount of money thrown in would make the trade worthwhile, not for
the ASIII owner, anyway!

Elroy

MT2000 man · Post by **MT2000 man** » Sat Jun 28, 2003 8:45 am

I don't know, call it a very dumb move at the time

Anywho, I'm getting a Saber III next week, so does that count as an "upgrade" from my MT? lol

Mike

cbus · Post by **cbus** » Mon Jun 30, 2003 10:22 pm

Id'e hate to object here but my personal communication with nick has been great so far, he replys to my e-mails in a reasonable amount of time and has never been rude to me(however I don't try to bash his prices down on an already good deal). I expect the radio to take some time to get to me but I am in australia and am patient as things take time to arrive.

apco25 · Post by **apco25** » Tue Jul 01, 2003 1:14 pm

I wasn't bashing anyones pricing down at all. Elroy put it best on this subject - non of watchbuddy's radios are legit and in the long may end up being a problem.

I've taken my money elsewhere.

MT2000 man · Post by **MT2000 man** » Tue Jul 01, 2003 2:34 pm

True, while non of his radios may be "legit" you also have to take into consideration all the people that bought one/many of his radios. He must have 100's of costumers, many of which are members of this board. If he does get "in trouble" and does decide to "rat" on all his costumers, your going to have a lot of pissed off people. Maybe not at Nick, but at the situation in general. So. . . .I guess whatever will happen we'll just have to wait and see. I personally think that this guy is just trying to make a living, and enjoys working on Astros, and leave it be at that.

Just my .02 cent"z"
Mike

Elroy Jetson · Post by **Elroy Jetson** » Tue Jul 01, 2003 2:41 pm

That may be overstating the matter a bit.

You see, I don't know if Watchbuddy's radios are legit or not. The hardware
issue isn't a problem. You can assemble products from genuine assemblies all day long if the company will sell them to you. No problem there.

But the software issues, that's another story. Unless M has provided him with the tools to configure these radios with well-equipped flash codes and the appropriate firmware, there could be a problem, to put it mildly.

And then, I'd have to ask if the radios have been properly, completely, and fully aligned per ALL factory procedures and methods.

Another issue now crops up: What about FCC approval? Operating radios
that weren't built under FCC approval isn't legal unless it's kept in the
ham bands. Is there any documentation that the radios are in full compliance with FCC type acceptance guidelines? Will the FCC consider a tech-assembled radio, made from major assemblies that were built by the FCC approved manufacturer, and aligned and tested by a duly licensed and trained FCC licensed technician, to be an approved radio?

Too many questions, not enough answers.

Respect to your skills, Watchbuddy, and your deals, but the whole thing is a bit too uncertain for me.

But that doesn't mean I wouldn't buy a radio that MIGHT have been made by you at a hamfest. If Motorola can't tell they didn't make it, who's to say they didn't?

Elroy

MT2000 man · Post by **MT2000 man** » Tue Jul 01, 2003 2:46 pm

Elroy,
Well said. Some people just don't feel comfortable dealing with the "too many questions, not enough answers", but yet others will fall of their chairs for that good a deal on a 3K dollar radio.

To each his/her own I guess.

Mike

apco boy · Post by **apco boy** » Wed Jul 02, 2003 5:18 am

tracka wrote:Id'e hate to object here but my personal communication with nick has been great so far, he replys to my e-mails in a reasonable amount of time and has never been rude to me(however I don't try to bash his prices down on an already good deal). I expect the radio to take some time to get to me but I am in australia and am patient as things take time to arrive.

quote] ok now i can understand when you send a money order from australia you got to give it two weeks for it to get there and a futher two weeks to recive your radio so a total of 4 weeks tops but when you pay with paypal instantlyyou expect to recive the goods with in two weeks ive done it many times before.or one more thing how about people in the states some people only got there radios more than a month after purchase all i know if i lived in the states i would expect to get my radio within five days tops

Radio Intelligence Agency · Sun Jul 06, 2003 4:30 pm

Apcoboy is right.

Check this out:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... gory=42873

Is this the latest episode of "Return of the dead radiodealer from LA"?

The name it self makes one wonder dosn´t it? Profile made two weeks ago and seller bought interesting items. A real cop lover and true collecter.

interesting email with "watchbuddy" (WHAT A JERK)

interesting email with "watchbuddy" (WHAT A JERK)

Nicks A DICK

watchbuddy bad business

Re: interesting email with "watchbuddy" (WHAT A JE

"Just A Short note"