Unfortunately, I don't believe there is any way to guarantee a safe transaction when making deals on the web. Even a cod, with a deposit, can go wrong if the merchandise isn't as decribed, or worse, damaged. I basically trust people and use my intuition when making deals. There are signs that come up that during negotiations, that will kill a deal for me. If I am a buyer, the seller must communicate in a timely manner, and answer all my questions clearly. I always ask for a phone number and speak to sellers. I have made over twenty deals in the last eighteen months. In three cases, the merchandise was rated higher than it should have been. Twice, I left negative feedback, and lived with it. In the third case, I insisted the seller make good, which, fortunately, he did.
Another thing. I always do my homework. There is a Classe amp for sale, on Audiogon, right now. The seller is listing a retail price of $3000. The right price is $2300. Honest mistake? Maybe. Unless someone lies to me, I will always know what it is I am buying, and what it is worth. I often see ads where the seller lists a blank warranty card. In order to find out if there is a warranty, I will get a serial number, call the manufacturer, and ask. They will give the history of the piece, with repairs and manufacture date.
There are great deals to be had here, and I wouldn't have been able to put together the system I have without them.
Another thing. I always do my homework. There is a Classe amp for sale, on Audiogon, right now. The seller is listing a retail price of $3000. The right price is $2300. Honest mistake? Maybe. Unless someone lies to me, I will always know what it is I am buying, and what it is worth. I often see ads where the seller lists a blank warranty card. In order to find out if there is a warranty, I will get a serial number, call the manufacturer, and ask. They will give the history of the piece, with repairs and manufacture date.
There are great deals to be had here, and I wouldn't have been able to put together the system I have without them.
