FAQ

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
II. HISTORY
III. REVIEW POLICY
IV. PRIVACY POLICY
V. STOCK POLICY
VI. INTERNATIONAL ORDERS POLICY
VII. FREQUENCY OF E-MAIL NEWSLETTER
VIII. COMPLAINTS
IX. MENTALISM PRODUCTS NOT ON THE WEBSITE
X. CONTACTING JHEFF
XI. ABOUT JHEFF

 

I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:

Jheff’s Marketplace of the Mind exists to provide honest and informed reviews, from a mentalist’s point of view, of items which are distributed to mainstream magic stores. It also allows to me communicate with and help out my fellow friends colleagues in mentalism.

II. HISTORY

First, like many mentalists, I was tired of being burned by the well-meaning recommendations of magic shop owners who did not know that what makes good material for magicians who want to do mental magic can be significantly different than what makes good material for mentalists. Second, though I live in Southern California, I don’t often have time to go to a magic shop and browse, not that they carry a lot of mentalism anyway. And, even here in a major city, there aren’t many really good shops to visit. Third, I do teach magic classes for the public and can obtain many products wholesale. So it doesn’t cost me anything extra for me to offer products to my friends and colleagues in mentalism, which I began doing because they requested. Finally, and probably most importantly, it allows to meet and stay in contact with my friends and colleagues in mentalism. Thus, I created this site.

III. REVIEW POLICY

The goal is to give you a review as if you were in a shop looking at the item itself, or at least, it’s packaging, and getting an honest review from the shop’s owner. I will try my very best to point out the products strengths and weaknesses so that you can make an informed decision. And I know that it’s a fine line about how much to reveal in a review but, then on the other hand, I know you want to know as much about the product as possible so you can determine whether you’ll use it. Like you, I dislike buying products that will sit on my shelf and never be used. I’ll not blatantly reveal the methodology of effects, but will discreetly use terminology, or reference it to other works, that only experienced mentalists would know. (i.e., this effect uses equivoque, or the gimmick is similar to the one used in Ted Lesley’s Paranormal). This way, experienced mentalists will understand, but novices or any layman accidentally accessing my site will not understand. If anyone feels that I’ve tipped way too much in a review, then simply let me know and we’ll discuss a solution.

Also, if I feel the product warrants a mostly unfavorable review, I will simply not offer it. If I feel that there’s any value whatsoever, I’ll review it so that members can make an informed decision. For example, Lee Earle’s Silver Bullet has been getting a lot of controversial opinions on it. Many people like the thinking, but don’t like the gimmick itself and are coming up with inspired alternatives. Others like the gimmick. The point is that mentalists are using it, so it has provided value.

IV. PRIVACY POLICY

The list of subscribers is private and under no circumstances will this list be sold to anyone or made public to anyone. All requests for the list for any purpose will be denied. I use a shopping cart system which allows me to broadcast messages to clients so that when I send out an e-mail update you won’t see the e-mails of others on this list.

V. STOCK POLICY

Most of the new or sale items are in stock. I initially order enough copies that I feel I can sell. Beyond that, and to keep overhead down, many items, especially the more expensive items, are stocked as an on request basis. Usually, it takes me 2-3 business days to receive items and the same amount of time to get it to you if you are in the U.S. Unless, of course, items are out of stock at the distributor.

VI. INTERNATIONAL ORDERS

Correct shipping and handling charges are automatically added for all orders, U.S. based and non-U.S. based. You can safely pay the full amount at the PayPal checkout. However, there are many items which can be placed inside a USPS Global Priority Envelope and that can save you money. Currently, the shipping prices are $5 and $9 (for small and large envelope respectively). Heavier books, odd sized items (like the Osterlind blindford), and orders with many products will not fit securely in one of these envelopes. You can go directly to the USPS.com website for details. Or, if you’d like to inquire as to whether I can save you some money on the shipping charges, please don’t make the Paypal payment after you order and, instead, contact me. You may also feel free to contact me with shipping preferences.

VII. FREQUENCY OF E-MAIL NEWSLETTER UPDATES

Whenever I get something that I believe has merit for mentalists, I will review it and e-mail that review to all the subscribers. So, sometimes you’ll get an e-mail from me once in three months or three times in one week!

VIII. COMPLAINTS

Since my father’s livelihood was retail and service-oriented business, I know that it’s important to please customers. So, if you have any complaints, let me know. I’ll be more than happy to discuss it.

IX. MENTALISM PRODUCTS NOT ON THE WEBSITE

If there’s something that you don’t see, it’s because I cannot obtain it from my distributor or because I feel the product will not provide my friends and colleague the quality that they demand in their products. E-mail me and if the product is indeed available I’ll add it to the site and get it to you at a discount. Or, if it’s not a product I’ve decided to carry, I’ll let you know. And, yes, if there’s a “magic” product that you’d like, even though it may not be on the website, I’ll get it for you if I can.

X. CONTACTING JHEFF

If you have any questions or comments or complaints, then please feel free to contact me. And I’m far easier to reach by e-mail than by phone.

XI. ABOUT JHEFF

Like many, I started in magic when I about 6 and started performing birthday party shows during my junior and senior high school years. During that time, I started teaching magic professionally for a local after-school program. After high school, I began leaning heavily towards mentalism. Since I was more performance oriented, than sleight oriented, mentalism suited me quite well. Audiences agreed.

I live in Southern California and am married with two young children. Currently, my bread and butter money-earning profession is teaching English in a high school in South Central Los Angeles. But I also gain secondary income from performing mentalism, giving private readings, and teaching magic classes. I am also currently the secretary for IBM Ring 96 in Long Beach, CA, and a member of the Magic Castle.