2. amps-preamps
  3. 190130-140513

A Better Way to Buy Gear - Help Needed

** this is a Sale-Process question... not a Gear question**

Hi All:

I intend to upgrade my stereo this year and have located an item that I want to purchase. Unfortunately, there is a ‘snag’ -- the seller insists on receiving the money before I get to see the item.

With this introduction, I would greatly appreciate knowing your individual/collective experience and advice.  Perhaps there is a solution!

 

About the Sale-Process:

The seller accepts only cash or PayPal Family & Friends:  He gets the money before I get the item. 

Because I would be without PP Buyer Protection, I would be stuck with any/all repair(s).

 

About the item:

The item is sealed in a box (NOS), so I cannot

    1. determine if it was damaged during shipping (to his house),
    2. power-up the unit and demo/confirm the functions. 
    3. verify the cosmetic appearance of the item
    4. verify that the correct item is in the box!
    5. Condition is advertised = 11/10

The item is big, heavy and expensive.  I have seen a photo of the box, but there is no meaningful information visible in that photo (e.g. company, make, model).

 

Additional information:

The seller lives in another State, a long way from my location.  A visit would involve a flight (or a long drive) and day or two in a hotel.  

The seller has a 95% rating. 

To me, a good rating means that I am willing to engage with a seller, but it does NOT justify sending the money without verifying the item’s existence/condition.

 

My question:

Because I am not inclined to send cash up-front, is there a better way forward for this ‘money-before-gear’ type of sale?

 

Thanks in advance for your replies, and happy listening!

inagroove
grislybutter
3,120 posts
 

I bought a lot of things this way, PP for friends and family and then wait. (nervously)

It always arrived as expected. However I always saw pictures, with the item on, looking functional.

I don’t see why the seller wouldn’t open the box. This way he has no idea what he is selling.

Is there still warranty on the item?

it’s within your right to say, you would buy it if he sends you photos. Otherwise there is a risk. If it’s a few 100 bucks, not a huge risk, but I assume it’s way more.

rsf507
2,327 posts
 

Not worth the risk. Look elsewhere.

Ag insider logo xs@2x
cleeds
5,960 posts
 

I'd walk away.

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,173 posts
 

I personally do not buy from sellers who have less than 100% positive feedback. Irrespective of method of payment.
Running a chance of something being f-ed up means I will be wasting my time and money, getting frustrated and stressed out. It ain’t worth it for me.

You have to decide for yourself if it’s worth the risk. 

czarivey
5,946 posts
 

I've recently got deal on Steinway baby grand -- picking up free and paying just $500 for shipping from Cleveland area to Columbus, but money have to be deposited first via CashApp, Venmo or Zelle. When I asked to drive in and check out the unit, I got negative response so I closed the deal for someone else to bite that bait :-)

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