2. misc-audio
  3. 1057955847

Should Escrow be Required?

I've noticed alot of expensive high end stuff from sellers with no feedback lately. Most don't post pictures but some do cut and paste from manufacturer's websites. I've also noticed that many, but not all, of these listings have poor grammer. Shouldn't an owner of a $5,000 component be able to construct an intelligent description of the item? Here's an example: "it s a excellent piece from Aragon,barely used . Give it to the best offer. Paypal plus%". (Don't flame me now!) Personally I won't buy an expensive item from a seller with no feedback unless they accept escrow. Should escrow be a requirement for no feedback sellers selling expensive goods? What does everyone think?

Mike
mikehdtv
unclejeff
1,313 posts
 
I have only conducted two private purchases on Audiogon and my experience was stellar. In each case i did have a conversation with the seller.

There are no guarantees and we are looking for something that does not have local dealer-reinforced guarantees. We must remember that the cheaper we want things, the cheaper the guarantees.

"However cheap you want it might be just how 'CHEAP' you get it.

I suppose you could contact a local 'agent' be he a Security Company, local used stereo store, whatever to 'broker' it for you. But, Hell, I am hoping that the true scam is jsut not that common.
johnk's avatar
johnk
1,975 posts
 
I have purchased over $35000 worth of gear on the gon and sold close to as much, always pay by M/O ,always buy from members with good feedback .All items I sell are M/O only paypal charges much and pays slow. escrow is the same great for the buyer terible for the seller .If you are so worried about buying used online buy new gear from a dealer .Never been burned just was sold 1 item that was grossly miss represented .Be carefull and smart you will be fine.JK
hosedragger
2 posts
 
We each have a different tolerance for risk. That said, there are certain common rules of common sense that should be universal. I appreciate those of you who have shared your cautionary tales above. I've bought $1000's on the 'gon and eBay, and each one was a judgment call. I've never been intentionally ripped off. Sellers have made honest mistakes, and fixed them when pointed out. I've walked away from offers that sounded too good to be true. They probably were.

I've also sent M/O's for up to $800 to total strangers and received beautiful gear. Overall, my eBay/Audiogon experience has been better and more fair than other mail order experience.

When in doubt, I ask the seller if he's willing to use escrow. If he balks, forget it!

How about these guys cut-n-pasting not just the manufacturer's pix, but 'gon members' pix? I recently saw speakers from an ebay seller in Texas. I recognized the background furniture from a 'gon seller in NJ. I asked the Texas seller, "What, is one speaker in TX and the other in NJ?"

No reply. I didn't bid.

Good luck
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