Testimonial and story from a customer whom was ripped off by a well known tribute guy

The Great Team

Outstanding Services

In 1982 I went to see KISS, live in Los Angeles. While I was enjoying some of my favorite music, I noticed a member of the audience was wearing Gene's dragon boots. I was shocked to see someone wearing such an authentic replica. Getting a pair of those boots for me would be something that would stick with me for the next 22 years. Little did I know that when the time would come for me to finally purchase these boots, it would begin an ordeal that would leave me without $1,600 and no boots to show for it.

In 2004, I was surfing the web and found the website “Hotter than hell”. They advertised that they were selling all KISS costumes, so I contacted the owner, Scott McClusky. Scott told me the cost of the dragon boots would be approximately $2,000. Disappointed, I told him I could not afford that. A few weeks later, Scott sent me an email saying that he got a large shipment of the boot's material and he could now sell me the boots for $1,600 (something I could afford). Scott told me the process for purchasing these boots would be a payment through Western Union. It was until later, after I sent the money, I was informed by the police that all cons use Western Union
in order to avoid being traced.

The due date for my boots to be delivered had passed. Time and time again Scott would push back the due date. We would go back and forth through emails and phone conversations. Countless times Scott would change the date, excuse after excuse. In-between his bogus excuses, Scott would email me pictures of the boots saying, "Their almost done, toshi!" Our last communication came when he had once again pushed back the due date saying, "Sorry my daughter spilled glue all over the boots and I have to repaint them." My boots were to be delivered in a few days prior to that last email. Once Scott informed me that he once again could not send the boots, I lost contact with him. No more did he reply to my emails or answer my phone calls. Scott's phone then became disconnected. For
years I have been trying to find and contact Scott McClusky. Scott McClusky should be behind bars for what he has done. Since then I've heard he has ripped off at least $40,000 from Japanese fans around the world. Who knows how much money in total Scott has stolen.

For the last couple years, I’ve been checking Barry’s web site and pondered making another purchase. Hesitant to lose more money, I contacted the customer service representative, Jerry. I informed him of my past situation with this type of purchase. After reading the costumers message board, seeing all the happy, satisfied customers and speaking with Jerry, I decided to go ahead with the purchase. I also called owner/fabricator, Barry. I was happy with how he treated me as well. Barry gave me detailed descriptions on how he will fabricate the boots and when they will be ready. I informed Jerry that I would place an order after February 18, when my tax refund was available. Jerry then gave me a 10% discount on the boots. Both Barry and Jerry were able to explain everything I needed to know and answered all my questions in great detail. I would recommend anyone to them and I am very thankful to finally be getting my Gene
Simmons dragon boots.

Thank you very much Barry and Jerry.
Toshi Hatanaka