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No Sellers willing to do COD anymore???

I first got into this hobby about 4 years ago (at least in terms of owning "high end" equipment).......one of the main ways I was able to do that was by buying almost everything used. My speakers (B&W M802's) I found used at a local audio dealer, & after that, bought most of the rest of my system from private sellers thru Audiogon, always doing COD, which seemed almost SOP at that time.

Now, most sellers INSIST on Cashier's Check upfront, end of discussion. And I admit, when I'm selling items long distance, it would be nice to be able to impose that, but the last time I tried that when listing something FS, no one was willing to do that. Am I missing something? Would anyone ship their expensive audio stuff to someone just relying on their word that they'd then send them the $$$?? It seems too one-sided now......even with all the potential pitfalls of COD; at least it's sort of equal for both parties. Thanks for any input!
steveaudio
mfkeleher
146 posts
 
Today is the 23rd. On March 6 UPS picked up a check for my Krell integrated. The check is not here. I have only been able to speak to Customer "service" people at UPS and no one beyond supervisor. These people are 2000 miles from the COD processing center and have no direct access to them. I was told I must wait until the 22nd to begin a complaint. On the 22nd I was asked why I had not filed a complaint. UPS is an unresponsive black hole when there are service issues. That is why I will never do another COD sale, it's not the customers, it's UPS unreliability and lack of rsponsiveness. If they get it right it takes longer to move the check than it did the hardware, if they get it wrong, tough!
hager_charles
51 posts
 
It is a whole lot easier to follow the money trail than it is to follow the amplifier trail.... What I mean is that If I mail out my $2000 amp to Joe Cool, and he skips town, how do I know that was even his true name??? No picture or ID. If I get a check up front and cash it, there is a legal paper trail to be followed. ID's are neccessary for check cashing, NOT for accepting a package... My account information is at the bank and they require ID to open that account. It's a LOT safer mailing out $$$ first than it is mailing out the item first.

Furthermore, I have sent an item by COD and it really stinks. It took 6-8 WEEKS to get my money after the item was accepted. I will try FedEx next time, but UPS is horrible when it comes to this service. Quite the pathetic process...
Ag insider logo xs@2x
spitfire
22 posts
 
It seems to me, from reading the posts above, that a familiar thread permeates the responses of those I would characterize primarily as sellers. Namely, a reluctance or reticence to engage in a method of payment/shipping that might cause a slight delay in their getting their money in the fastest (shortest) time period possible. While that is rightfully a legitimate concern, it should not, in my opinion, be the overriding concern. The paramount concern, perhaps, should be protecting the integrity of the transaction itself. By protecting the integrity of the transaction, you are protecting the interests of both the seller and buyer equally. A COD transaction protects both buyer and seller in a more equal manner than other (prepayment) methodologies. It may not be perfect, but it is undeniably better suited to protecting the interests of both parties to the transaction.
perfectimage
406 posts
 
I have had some bad luck with cod myself. All with ups. They forgot to get the check once and lost the check another time. I try to stay away from it but I would do it for smaller items. Its just not worth the hassle with amps and speakers especially the way ups handle things.
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,091 posts
 
I think one of the reason is Audiogon is not what it used to be.  I have been buying and selling quality gear here for 10 plus years.  Majority of folks here are true hobbyist and audiophiles.  And then you come across folks who are only interested in buying gear with a intent to make money. They will low ball your precious gear, often have less than perfect or no feedback and continue to come up with new schemes to stiff you. 

I cannot stress enough the importance of feedback and implore everyone here to insist on exchanging feedback after the sale. That's one of the ways to continue safe trading and maintain integrity among the audiophile community. 
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