If your gut says it’s a dicey deal, I would pay attention. However, as someone who has been on both ends of many deals, there is always a degree of risk to both parties. As a seller I am not willing to use straight PP, not because of the fees, but because of scammers that pay, get the equipment, and then lodge a complaint with PP and get their money back too. Deals are best with a bit of risk on both ends.
A Better Way to Buy Gear - Help Needed
** this is a Sale-Process question... not a Gear question**
Hi All:
I intend to upgrade my stereo this year and have located an item that I want to purchase. Unfortunately, there is a ‘snag’ -- the seller insists on receiving the money before I get to see the item.
With this introduction, I would greatly appreciate knowing your individual/collective experience and advice. Perhaps there is a solution!
About the Sale-Process:
The seller accepts only cash or PayPal Family & Friends: He gets the money before I get the item.
Because I would be without PP Buyer Protection, I would be stuck with any/all repair(s).
About the item:
The item is sealed in a box (NOS), so I cannot
-
- determine if it was damaged during shipping (to his house),
- power-up the unit and demo/confirm the functions.
- verify the cosmetic appearance of the item
- verify that the correct item is in the box!
- Condition is advertised = 11/10
The item is big, heavy and expensive. I have seen a photo of the box, but there is no meaningful information visible in that photo (e.g. company, make, model).
Additional information:
The seller lives in another State, a long way from my location. A visit would involve a flight (or a long drive) and day or two in a hotel.
The seller has a 95% rating.
To me, a good rating means that I am willing to engage with a seller, but it does NOT justify sending the money without verifying the item’s existence/condition.
My question:
Because I am not inclined to send cash up-front, is there a better way forward for this ‘money-before-gear’ type of sale?
Thanks in advance for your replies, and happy listening!
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- 62 posts total
@ntpc4 I like the idea of finding someone local from here. I wonder if the seller would open the box then. |
- 62 posts total