Buying a bass from a stranger 500kms away?

**Matthew_84** · #1 08-18-2011, 05:18 PM

Hey all,

So in my provincial classifieds I found a project bass at a decent price, and I'd like to buy it. I've seen a photo of it and have sent a couple e-mails back and forth with the seller and the he seems like a nice guy and I believe everything's alright. But I don't know what to do next and would like some insight from others who have been here.

the town is about a 4 hour drive away (one way), so it's too far to drive to and none of us are planning on coming here or there anytime soon, so it will. Likely have to be shipped.

I don't quite understand how I could give him the money without giving him the money beforehand which I'm not comfortable with that just in case, and I'm sure he wouldn't mail out the bass before getting some kind of money as well.

Any ideas would be welcomed. Thanks

PazzoBasso · #2 08-18-2011, 05:28 PM

I've heard of folks using an internet escrow service to hold the funds until you receive the goods & then release them - both parties need to get involved & you need to find a trusted service...

I found this using google:
www.escrow.com

But I could't say they're any more trustworthy than a guy 4 hrs away...

Maybe someone can recommend an escrow service that they've used in the past... Especially a Canadian one - you'd likely pay more if they were converting currencies...

If I really liked the bass, I'd plan a road trip... Maybe he'd be willing to drive 1hr towards you & you'd only have to go 3hrs out?

Pilgrim · #3 08-18-2011, 05:33 PM

I just ask the buyer to pay me, then ship the bass. Done it a number of times. If in doubt, use the escrow service...but pay the fees.

charlie monroe · #4 08-18-2011, 06:01 PM

It's a project bass at a decent price. What do you have to lose?

Have some faith in your fellow Canadian and pay him upfront.

BigPapaKuff · #5 08-18-2011, 06:08 PM

Two words, road trip. If you don't want to send $, then hit the road if it's a good deal.

Funky Ghost · #6 08-18-2011, 06:42 PM

When you order something online they don't ship until you pay. It's no different here. If you drag your feet some one else will pay them. Of that I'm certain if it's a good deal.
For what it's worth I just bought a bass that traveled a 1000+ miles to get to me, and I paid first. Not a hitch. My favorite Yamaha guitar came from across the pond ( fantastic deal! ) I paid first

See the pattern ? Trust them, it's good for the karma

blindrabbit · #7 08-18-2011, 11:13 PM

I've bought all kinds of gear from people thousands of km away, both inside Canada and in the USA, not to mention other international purchases I've made. As others have said, buyer always pays first before shipping, but then the seller should ship in some sort of trackable format (especially if the item is expensive) within 24 hours of receiving funds.

If you have concerns about the fellow, see if you can get an ebay ID to check for him or something similar to that. You could also try to have a conversation on the phone to see what sort of feeling you get. Another good strategy is to get some kind of information about him that you can independently identify - a listed phone number, an email from a workplace (i.e. not hotmail or yahoo), etc etc etc.

Honestly, I've yet to have an issue with a distance purchase. I wish I could say the same for items bought in person. Good luck with your transaction!