How do you max your protection when buying from a forum member?

Strat-Mangler · #1 11-24-2011, 05:46 PM

Considering buying something from a member of another board with a low post count who's selling something I've been looking for.

No red flags that I can see outright ; the price isn't strangely low, the disclaimers seem to fit an item that's not 100% original and the owner mentions this, etc.

However, how would you approach this deal in order to maximize your protection level when paying through PayPal?

Please, let's forget about all the "don't use PayPal" or "don't deal with him, period" replies that I see coming a mile away.

If you were to go through with it, do you have any tips to extend my protection?

Thanks in advance to everybody.

geeza · #2 11-24-2011, 06:47 PM

I would get their phone number and talk to them. That would give me a better read on them.

Funky Ghost · #3 11-24-2011, 07:21 PM

One thing to consider is that you, yourself, have no feedback and it is not uncommon for a seller to require the money up front. If they have a feedback score, read it. Send a PM and work out the details that you can both feel comfortable with. I've purchased a bass and a full stack from the TB classifieds forum and couldn't be happier with the out come in both cases.
Finally, read the stickied threads at the top of the classified forums. It will answer your questions in much greater detail.

Good luck with your purchase

Sav'nBass · #4 11-25-2011, 06:34 AM

The bottom line is that you are really limited on what you can do short of just not buying if you are dealing with an individual.

Here is the PP policy that you have probably looked at already .. So far I have not had any really bad experiences here on TB but this is the only board I have done this on.

Short of getting the phone number of the person and talking to them to put a voice to it ... and even that is not real "protection". That's why it is so important that we submit feedback for each deal we do here .. because it builds a trust database that we can all look at when doing deals. Good luck.

fdeck · #5 11-25-2011, 09:58 AM

As a customer, I'd insist on PayPal.

I've never been ripped off by a bassist.

MJ5150 · #6 11-25-2011, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geeza

I would get their phone number and talk to them. That would give me a better read on them.

I do this too, but I got burned once even after talking to the guy. I usually search the username and see if they are members on another forum. Then I ask the person for references for other forums they frequent or have bought/sold on.

-Mike