I have completed quite a few transactions over the past year and have had very few problems with the merchandise recieved, the merchandise sent, or the payment either way. I have a system that I follow that works for me. I think that most of us have a similar system because I have had no one balk at this when I trade.
If I am purchasing an item I do not make an offer unless I have the funds immediately available. If I propose a trade for an item I am conservative about its condition. If my offer is accepted I am prepared to send a money order Next Day air to the seller under the condition that the item will be shipped out within 24 hours of payment received. I have found that it is not realistic to expect someone to send out the day that the money comes in, but I make sure to do this on my end. If there is any issue, I have received components without power cords as an example, I immediately contact the seller and expect them to quickly fix whatever issue needs to be corrected. I have yet to be dissatisfied when I have followed this procedure when purchasing. That does not mean that I keep the component, it only means that the transaction went according to plan.
If I am selling a component I price it at the low end of the spectrum and I do not leave much room for negotiation. I respond to all offers and personally do not get offended by low ballers. Some of them have purchased at my asking price after trying to steal the component. I answer all questions that are accompanied by an offer for the equipment. I almost always, any transaction over $500 dollars and most others, speak to the person on the phone before commiting to the transaction. I actually do that if I am buying or selling. This gives both participants a comfort level.
Many will not agree with this, but I almost always go to a packaging store and have them double box any component over $500 and send out UPS from there. It is more expensive, but I have yet to receieve a negative feedback on these transactions. I do not ship out until I receive payment. I do not accept COD. I insure what I ship out and I demand that other insure what they ship to me.
If I do not feel comfortable with the other party I do not do business with the other party. It is a free market and we can choose who we purchase from and sell to. As others have noted in previous threads, the audiophile community seems to be a one comprised of decent people who are obsessive about their components. This helps to create a great market for buyers and sellers.
If I am purchasing an item I do not make an offer unless I have the funds immediately available. If I propose a trade for an item I am conservative about its condition. If my offer is accepted I am prepared to send a money order Next Day air to the seller under the condition that the item will be shipped out within 24 hours of payment received. I have found that it is not realistic to expect someone to send out the day that the money comes in, but I make sure to do this on my end. If there is any issue, I have received components without power cords as an example, I immediately contact the seller and expect them to quickly fix whatever issue needs to be corrected. I have yet to be dissatisfied when I have followed this procedure when purchasing. That does not mean that I keep the component, it only means that the transaction went according to plan.
If I am selling a component I price it at the low end of the spectrum and I do not leave much room for negotiation. I respond to all offers and personally do not get offended by low ballers. Some of them have purchased at my asking price after trying to steal the component. I answer all questions that are accompanied by an offer for the equipment. I almost always, any transaction over $500 dollars and most others, speak to the person on the phone before commiting to the transaction. I actually do that if I am buying or selling. This gives both participants a comfort level.
Many will not agree with this, but I almost always go to a packaging store and have them double box any component over $500 and send out UPS from there. It is more expensive, but I have yet to receieve a negative feedback on these transactions. I do not ship out until I receive payment. I do not accept COD. I insure what I ship out and I demand that other insure what they ship to me.
If I do not feel comfortable with the other party I do not do business with the other party. It is a free market and we can choose who we purchase from and sell to. As others have noted in previous threads, the audiophile community seems to be a one comprised of decent people who are obsessive about their components. This helps to create a great market for buyers and sellers.