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Why did I get bounced to escrow when seller doesn't seem to have an account?

I have never seen escrow before. I tried to purchase an item with "Buy it now" and was asked for a credit card and then sent to escrow.com.  What happened to using PayPal?  My seller doesn't seem to have an escrow.com account, or at least the purchase was initially linked to the item, but then all the details, including price, disappeared.  I didn't know I would have to memorize all the fees, etc., before I moved on to the next screen in escrow.com.  What the heck is going on?  What time length am I supposed to use? Audiogon gave a time, I think, but that has disappeared, too.

Confused and not super thrilled with my latest experience...
bashkin001
9 responses Add your response
ebm
9,311 posts
 
Wow thats a tough one.
speedbump6
760 posts
 
I found a few this weekend that didn’t offer buy it now, only make an offer. I was ready to buy it now at asking price, but if if I’m going through the process of making an offer, might as well ask for some sort of discount. Most times they come back with all the reasons why they can’t do it ( I only ever ask for 10 percent unless I feel the product is way overpriced to begin with). So then why no buy it now and let me get on with business.
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
Your money, and their product, are held in common?
Escrow agents are responsible for the transfer of goods and or moneys between the two parties, for a fee. 
I wonder if it cost the seller more? No way for Agon to get paid, if the seller doesn't have a current way to bill a card, I'm thinking.

Gotta get their cut...Can't get it from you.. unless they get to handle the money in escrow. Wonder if it's above the 10% or whatever, they already charge?  I'm wondering because, I have about 10-12 pieces or vintage Mac, and Marantz I'm gonna list.. 

Good credit pays, ay?

Regards
tooblue
1,927 posts
 
@speedbump6, when I post an add on the gon, I never use the buy it now option for the simple reason that I like to have a bit more control of who I sell to, good feedback, not outside N. America and just the feedback I get from the back and forth of the conversation that the make offer results in. Enjoy the music
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 
@tooblue is spot on !!!!
bashkin001 OP
6 posts
 
So, the seller kindly canceled the escrow (I guess he did have an account, though I'm not completely sure) and we just used PayPal.  There were escrow fees, and I had to choose who paid them, or if we split them, but had not discussed this with the seller, so did not feel I could proceed with escrow without a lot more communication, especially since the fees were not disclosed before I had to click "proceed with transaction."  I understand the purpose of escrow, but I have never had a bad experience here.  I am pretty selective about my purchases and don't make many.
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
Interesting, thanks for the information. I'm the same way, pretty picky.

Time to thin the herd here though.. 40 + years of stuff...

Good to see Agon has options and resolved it pretty quick.. 

Any additional fees.. it would be on the seller.. If they want to sell, to me that is.

Happy hunting..

Regards
sfseay's avatar
sfseay
496 posts
 
Sell on USAudiomart.  Less hassle, no fees, and no bad deals for me after 30 transactions.  If a buyer doesn’t have lots of feedback just insist on PayPal send to a friend
dolsey
16 posts
 
I'm noticing lots of new users with only Escrow.com payment methods.  Usually with only one item for sale and poorly written descriptions. 
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