Would you sell to this seller?

GeneralElectric · #1 10-27-2008, 05:27 AM

Would you sell to someone here if their first post was in your F/S thread?

So far exchanges have been polite and courteous and everything else, but I dunno. He's a new member and the majority of his posts are in my thread...

Its jsut that something about that rubs me in the wrong way. I'm not saying this guy isn't honest, or legit but its just a strange situation.

I told the guy to send me payment, through paypal, for shipping, and that I'd send my bass over to him to trade once I got a photocopy of the shipping receipt with the tracking number. Does that seem fair?

Geddyfleaharris · #2 10-27-2008, 06:44 AM

Everybody has to start somewhere when it comes to buying/selling. IMO though people should spend a little time on TB before diving into the Classifieds so that TB can get to know them a little. Is the member a Supporting Member? I guess that if he sends his money through Paypal and there are no hiccups then it should be good to go. If you have the cash then I think you should be safe unless he launched a dispute through Paypal for no apparent reason. Although Paypal is not perfect I have always viewed it as the way people who don't know each other can do business in a safe and secure manner; at least that is it's basic intention.

derelicte · #3 10-27-2008, 09:50 AM

we all have to start somewhere, but as Geddy mentioned, paypal receipts should give you coverage so why not?

Bluesy Soul · #4 10-27-2008, 12:51 PM

Since he's a buyer and you're using PayPal, why not? (especially if he has a verified account at Paypal.)

Unlike Sellers, buyers perform their part of the contract first--they send money and hope the seller is honest and will ship the goods. As a buyer who is new to TB, he probably feels more trepidation about the transaction than you do.

Bluesy Soul

bassteban · #5 10-27-2008, 12:57 PM

So it's a trade w/him covering shipping? If so, I'd at least wait until online tracking confirmed that his bass was on its way before sending yours. Myself, I'd very much listen to those gut feelings. I'd sell to anyone but wouldn't want to be the first big-deal buyer from some unknown person.

etoncrow · #6 10-27-2008, 01:00 PM

Unless I misread this, the transaction is not a Paypal purchase but a trade with S&H costs transferrred via paypal; in which case, you might be out a bass with no plan 'B'.

MyUsernameHere · #7 10-27-2008, 02:07 PM

I always wondered about how to do this sort of thing well. I've never done it this way, but maybe you could get the phone number of the UPS store (or whatever company he's using), check its validity on-line and have someone at the store call you (or have him call you when he goes in so you can call the store yourself while he's there) and confirm that the guy is actually dropping off a bass when he goes in to ship it.

It won't be perfect, but at least that way you'll have a tracking number and know the guy shipped a bass...and not some empty box.

GeneralElectric · #8 10-27-2008, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by etoncrow

Unless I misread this, the transaction is not a Paypal purchase but a trade with S&H costs transferrred via paypal; in which case, you might be out a bass with no plan 'B'.

This is my fear....

alembicguy · #9 10-27-2008, 02:45 PM

Did the other person fill any info out on their profile or can you get a phone number and do some contact that way?Listen to your gut feelings is the way I would go but thats just me.

**cheezewiz** · #10 10-27-2008, 03:15 PM

I've sold to zero feedback new member buyers twice. I was nervous as heck both times, but both times it worked out fine.

Geddyfleaharris · #11 10-27-2008, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by etoncrow

Unless I misread this, the transaction is not a Paypal purchase but a trade with S&H costs transferrred via paypal; in which case, you might be out a bass with no plan 'B'.

I misread the OP but now see that it is a trade. Sorry. Ask for a phone number and give him a call. I have done that before when it involved trades even with veteran TBers. Not everyone is as nice and as honest as me.

Bluesy Soul · #12 10-27-2008, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geddyfleaharris

I misread the OP but now see that it is a trade.

Same here. "F/S" usually means "For Sale" rather than trade. Getting the tracking number from the receipt and waiting until you can confirm it has been sent, along with whatever reassurance you can glean from telephone calls and e-mails, is about all you can do.

Bluesy Soul

fenderhutz · #13 10-27-2008, 04:18 PM

If you can't chat via phone, I wouldn't commit.

Trevor.A · #14 10-27-2008, 09:11 PM

You could use one of those 3rd party services, I forget what they're called. The basses are shipped to them and once they receive both, they do the trade so nobody gets screwed. Of course you have to trust the 'company', but they've probably got a lot of feedback to go on.
I have no idea if such a company exists though

BTBplayer · #15 10-27-2008, 09:18 PM

Is the guy over seas ? I got scammed big time , by A guy in Europe , never again. Domestic only, for me . I know there's scammers here too , but I think I miss alot by saying no international . I realize dealers can't do that.

This guy that scammed me had a fake bank check and everything that my bank said was good and cashed , then when it came up short I had to pay, it all back .

This guys probably fine man , I'm a noobie here too and not a scammer :-)

Best of Luck man

GeneralElectric · #16 10-27-2008, 09:53 PM

This guy is in Europe. I think I'm going to do it.