Wondering how transactions tend to go down for private listings. ie- buying an exhaust from a forum member, not a sponsor. Details on forms of payment and timing would be appreciated! Thanks

 

I bought my current 997 from a non-member, wired 100% of the funds before the transport loaded it up.

I bought a set of wheels and tires from a member of another forum. Paid him $200 via paypal up front, and the balance once they were en route (also via paypal).

In both cases, I was able to do my homework on the sellers. By the time I sent money, I knew where they lived, serviced their cars, what they did for a living and where they did it. In the case of wheels and tires, that seller was an active forum member (another forum) who had an active history of transactions with other members. It may take some time, but you can eliminate a lot of risk by doing a little homework.

 

Use common sense. For me that means paypal via credit card, sending enough extra to cover fees as a buyer, and being cautious buying from low post count people. As a seller I point people to my eBay account under the same username to give them some piece of mind. Paypal is always preferred.

 

Great, makes sense.. thanks for the responses!

 

Yup...common sense is the key. Someone posting for the first time selling something needs to be checked out....are they active on other forums, maybe sells alot on ebay etc...they may have real credible feedback elsewhere and it is usually easy to check this out. I have done numerous transactions and never been bitten. Just do your homework.

 

As others have noted use PayPal. Send or ask for invoice, only ship to a PayPal verified address, use a credit card. And one additional item I discovered. Tell your shipper the package is not to be redirected.

 

..and don't use 'gift option' which eliminates the fees for the seller. It also relinquishes any protection paypal may provide in case of fraud or if the shipper losses it.


I don't like sellers asking me (which they do) to use the 'gift option' to them so they can save $5-$10. It's the price of convenience for the service. I won't use it since they're not gifting me the item, I'm paying your asking price for it. Sellers should either work the PP fees into their asking price or just realize it's the cost of having a market where they can be paid immediately...


<ok, rant off>

 

Great advice, thank you! Appreciate the pearls about avoiding the gift option and no redirects

 

Gifting will prevent you from filing a claim for reimbursement from Paypal since it is not considered a transaction in exchange for anything. You can look at part of the fee as being a transaction insurance fee. This is one of the terms of Paypals Buyer Protection Plan.

Bottom line: Never use the gift option when you are buying something.

 

I bought tires from a member of this forum
Agreed on price, sent payment by paypal with detailed description of merchandise.
Smooth and uneventful.
A+

 

Talk to your bank. I would say wire transfer is the safest if you are the seller.

 

homework homework and more homework on the seller...i have wired money for watches w/o any issue. On this website i had wired over $3K for a set of wheel and $1800.00 for a wing, no issue.

You will be surprise what Google can reveal...

Good luck with your transaction.

 

When I bought from LED lights from another forum's member. He had enough post history that I felt comfortable with "gifting" the money via paypal. I saved some money but I wouldn't use that option if I had any doubt.

 

A lot of fraud going on with paypal! Bank wire transfer is best option. Paypal gives no protection to seller, so In case money is coming from a fraudulent paypal, you will be asked to refund and will end up without your item and $$. Wire so you know exactly who and what bank you doing business with.

 

Thank you for sharing all of your experiences. Will go with wire transfer or paypal.