Back in September, I communicated with Alan Cornock, Royale-UK, about buying an A-arm for my Royale RP21. He said he had a used one on the shelf that needed re-plating. He also said because of card fees, he would only accept payment by wire transfer. This I found out is not offered by my credit union and can be expensive to do with other institutions. After much fooling around I got $291.03 transferred to him on September 7th. After he had received the money, Alan revealed that the condition of the A-arm was worse than he had originally thought. I told him "No, don't send it, refund the money". He hadn't shipped it yet so it shouldn't have been a problem.
On October 5, we receive $242.54 as a refund. Alan, what happened to the other $48.49? He complains that he's already lost 15 Pounds because of the exchange rate moving. But that isn't $48.49.
Best I can figure out, because he has stopped responding, is that $48.49 converts to exactly 35 Pounds at that days exchange rate. I figure his bank took out a 35 Pound wire-processing fee and I get to pay for it.
In the big scheme of things, $48.49 isn't going to hurt me much, just don't think it's much of a way to do business.