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No protection for buyers on Audiogon

I just purchased a set of headphones on Audiogon and was shocked to find out you are to send payment in full to the seller with no protection what so ever for the Buyer. It would be reasonable for a Buyer to wonder if the item exist or if the seller even owners the item. I have a good feeling about the headphones ($300+/-)but there is no way I would send say $20,000 for a pair of speakers to points unknown hoping they will show up in the condition discribed. This all might work for dealers with a record and place of business but what about a individual trying to sell a high dollar item. Who would trust sending them full payment with no recourse? Audiogon has dropped the ball by not offering protections for the buyer like ebay and amazon
zinkz10b
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
8,011 posts
 
That's also what feedback is    for; so that you can see who is trustworthy.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
tonykay
1,301 posts
 
I browse these Audiogon pages daily. Sometimes, I see a piece of equipment at a ridiculously low price. Invariably, when I look at the feedback, there is none. I think to myself, "I’d have to be crazy to jump on that one." However, some do. Look, that’s why so many legitimate sellers use Paypal. Sure it costs a few percent, but it’s worth it! Audiogon is here to facilitate trades. It's not their function to police each transaction. That's for Paypal.
jond's avatar
jond
5,846 posts
 
I've been buying and selling on here since 2000 and have not had a single bad experience. Be smart and careful, really examine and put feedback in context, and most of all use some common sense,
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
Well 20,000.00 speakers really need a visit first. That is a lot of cash. I'd be leary of shipping unless, I knew the company and the transporter personally.. Otherwise it's on the seller to get them to me, ready for inspection.. Split the difference in shipping if they are damaged and send them back.. NEW it's all on the manufacture.. Used... well, make a wise deal...

Protect yourself, don't rely on others..

Better to stay out of trouble than get out of trouble, ay?

Regards
musicpod
192 posts
 
Learn what "due diligence" means.  IOW.  You can ask the seller for invoice/receipt confirming purchase.  You can ask for photos.  You can e-mail or call the person and get a sense of the person and how they conduct business.  As others have said you can check feedback.   What I have not seen mentioned here or elsewhere, is that you can also see if the seller participates in the forum.  How long they have been a member.
Based upon your post.  It sounds like you just decided to jump in with both feet and hope for the best.  Is that correct?  If so, I admire your chutzpah.
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