informal poll on transactions

GreenLantern

This week I was following a thread on a deal gone sour between the seller and buyer because the buyer didn't think the gun he got was accurately described by the seller. That go me to thinking about deals where payment is made by MO. What's everyone's feeling about sending the seller $$ and being worried about not getting ANYTHING? I'm looking to make a major purchase in the near future ($1K up to maybe $3K) and have some concerns about sending that amount of money and getting shafted with nothing. I'm pretty sure the seller is a private person and lives half way across the USA from me. It's not an auction so the person doesn't have any type of feed-back that you'd get from GB or AA. But that's still no guarentee that you can't get ripped off if a seller really intends to. So what does everyone else do? Pass up buying the item that you've really been looking for to add to your collection? I know there's paypal via CC but from things I've read that's less security that just dealing directly with someone that handles CCs. Is there another way?Green Lantern

AntiqueDr

There is. You might look into one of the escrow services, or, find a reputable person near the seller who can broker the deal for you.

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alledan

Also an inspection period would be of benefit.

Orphanedcowboy

Gunbroker has now instituted insurance for such instances, plus the end of an auction with a winning bid is a legal and binding contract. Read the sellers profile, contact previous buyers, but more importantly, read all the print concerning the auction. I have talked to all the people I have bought a gun from prior to the auction ending, to ease my mind. I have used paypal on several occasions, they deduct straight from my bank account, easy and also provides you a receipt for the payment, and a confirmation they received the money. I truly believe if you bid, win, and pay you will receive the item, more importantly in the condition described. Ask for a inspection period, and a guarantee.

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Orphanedcowboy@msn.com[This message has been edited by Orphanedcowboy (edited 10-20-2001).]

GreenLantern

Ahhhh ..... yes ... there is the inspection period and the GB technicalities ..... but .... if you re-read you'll see I'm talking about NON-AUCTION deals.

woodsrunner

I buy alot of stuff online. Here's how I handle it.1) I have a savings acct. in a bank separate from my primary bank.2) I pay via Pay-Pal whenever possible. 3) I keep only enough in the acct. to keep it open.4) I put the money in the acct. then pay with a e-check.If someone managed to get your personal info or password from Pay-Pal, there isn't anything there for them to take. I also don't have to worry about helpful bank personel taking money from one acct to another, to cover an overcharge. I also have the money deposited in this acct whenever I sell something.hope this helps.Woods

SNIPER1048

GREENLANTERN: WITH AIRFARES SO CHEAP NOW; CONSIDER HOPPING A PLANE TO HIS LOCATION. FOR THE AMOUNT OF MONEY YOU ARE TALKING IT WOULD BE WORTH IT. MAKE IT A MINI-VACATION WITH THE MISSUS. OR DO WHAT I DO. WHILE THERE GO THUR THE WANT ADS AND APPLY FOR A JOB IN YOUR FIELD. UNDER IRS RULES YOU CAN DEDUCT YOUR JOB SEARCH EXPENSES OFF YOUR INCOME TAX. LETS SEE NOW: YOU FLY TO SOME PLACE TO BUY A NEW GUN, WE FOLIC IN THE POOL AND HOT TUB FOR 2-3 DAYS. AND WE GET TO SCREW THE IRS. SOUNDS LIKE A GOOD PLAN TO ME. NO WONDER MY GIRL FRIEND ALWAYS WANTS TO GO WITH ME AT A MOMENTS NOTICE!!

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GreenLantern

SNIPER1048, you've got a great idea! The only downside is that if the girlfriend goes along, she'll say that since I spent that much money and got something for myself, that she can get something of equal value! It's much better than she find out about the purchase 'after the fact' :-)