New credit card payment option

I would wait to hear from AudiogoN.

In the meantime research the feedback from the buyer as best possible. Are they a long time member with lots of positive feedback? Do you see their actual name listed in any of the feedback? Get phone number and have a conversation with the buyer.

BTW, when I leave feedback I often call out the person by name in order to show future buyers/sellers that it is a real person. Something like "excellent transaction with Joe", etc. This helps establish credibility for future deals for that person. I don't do this with feedback for every transaction, but now that I think about it, I should.....

I appreciate it when other sellers and buyers reference a name when giving feedback, however, criminals can use that to their advantage as well. For large transactions I require that we speak on the phone and share personal email messages. Good luck with your sale

maplegrovemusic,

ask the buyer for his contact #. Then, you guys can sort out any logistics.
Nothing wrong with having a cc account address that differs from some other address (personal, business, residence).

Happy Listening!

I have spoken with the buyer previous to posting this inquiry . He wants me to ship the amps to an apartment in Ney York City to have the amps converted to 220 volt . He then plans on shipping them to a "friend" in Israel . This is my only concern really . Who's on the hook if they do not make it to Israel ? Also there are many different credit card companies . Who's policies are these transactions falling under ? Is it different for each card ? Is it Audiogon who makes the rules ? The buyer did state he is fine with me shipping to his address which is listed with the sale but prefers the techs house who will work on the amps . He stated it is an hour drive and getting the big heavy mono blocks there would be simpler shipping . I agree , but in the past using Paypal you had to ship to a Verified address .

This can be a red flag. I once sold some camera gear on eBay and the buyer wanted to ship it to his non-eBay address. Later the credit card transaction comes back declined and it comes out the use of the card was not authorized. With credit cards it can be a few weeks before you find out the transaction has gone bad this way.

You best run from that sale as soon as ya can!

If buyer wants special consideration, ask them to use a bank wire instead of CC.

@maplegrovemusic I understand your concern completely; and @musicpod the reason to go "through all this brain damage" is so you don't end up taking the time and expense of shipping something and then NOT getting paid.

For the most part, I've had decent experiences selling on Audiogon. But this new Express Checkout method is more trouble than it's worth. It is supposed to offer "seller protection" but to me, it's more like buyer protection ... since I, as the seller, don't get access to the funds submitted by the buyer (via credit card) unless and until all of the following happens:

1) I ship on my dime and provide tracking information, 2) buyer receives shipment as indicated on tracking "delivered" status. If you require a wet signature and no one is available to accept shipment, guess what? That's another day or 2 added since the item was sold, plus the time in transit (easily a week from coast-to-coast using ground shipping). The final thing is that the buyer has to sign-off that he/she is satisfied with the item. Then funds are released to one's bank account. I'm still waiting for funds to show up in my account that were released yesterday.

Recently I had a similar situation where buyer's address came up as "not valid" on UPS address validation. Further checking indicated destination as a freight forwarding/storage facility. Suite #X was really a locker. Buyer was having equipment forwarded overseas. That, along with a couple of other red flags made me feel uneasy. The other party could end up with my stuff, yet I haven't been paid.

From now on, I will not ship without money in my account ... PayPal or bank account. For some reason, PayPal has started placing "holds" on certain transactions. Why, I don't know, as there seems to be a lack of consistency. My approach now is to pay the A-gon listing fee upfront and therefore gain some control over the transaction. I can offer credit card processing through my business account. Bottom line - if it looks funny, or if there is any hold up on getting paid PRIOR to shipping, insist on bank wire transfer.

Just my 2 cents.

NO!  This smells fishy.  Not worth losing your amp and money for. I suggest letting this "buyer" go and selling to a 'phile you've spoken with by phone - to get to know them - that they are "normal" - like you.  

And to ensure that they won't be some kind of problem  ( some are mega perfectionists in terms of condition and will return you the item because the REALLY want a used item at used price but in super-pristine condition .....or they  want the item picked up by someone else - then they claim they never received it.....or they'll your with a cashier's check or certified check - conterfeit versions of which are readily available to to internet thieves...etc    

I would suggest you NOT sship it !  This smells fishy.  Not worth losing your amp and money for. I suggest letting this "buyer" go and selling to a 'phile you've spoken with by phone - to get to know them - that they are "normal"...reliable - like you.  

And to ensure that they won't be some kind of problem  ( some are mega perfectionists in terms of condition and will return you the item because they REALLY want a used item at used price - but in super-pristine condition .....or a thief can want the item picked up by someone else - then they claim they never received it.....or they'll pay with a counterfeitbcashier's check, certified check - conterfeit versions of which are readily available to to internet thieves...etc.  Counterfeit USPS money orders are circulating also.  Deposit one of those into your account - the bank will accept it at the teller - BUT in several weeks you'll have the bank and police "asking" you to come in to explain why you tried to pass fake checks/money orders.  Ask your bank manager about this.  I only accept in-person cash now ( $20 bills if possible as there are many counterfeit $100 bills around - as per my bank manager )...or a check from an ongoing audio store.   I'm not informed about PayPal, eBay transaction protection policies.

Take a USPS m/o to the post office. They'll know quickly if it's good or not.