Selling on Agon question


Hi, I have an ad out, and someone with no feedback, from Mexico City, has expressed interest.

I am slightly wary, are there precautions I could take to ensure I don't get burned?

I was thinking:

-Insist on bank check/money order, wait for funds to clear before shipping.

-Ship UPS and choose the option to have the buyer have to sign for the item

Does that cover me?

I am wary of accepting paypal for this transaction as disputes usually go to the buyer, and this person could claim the item was damaged and ask for money back or something like that.

Any thoughts based on your experience would be much appreciated.

-Stephen
sandman012
I was just talking about purchasing a money order, not shipping.

We all know each shipping company can and has damaged audio gear while in transit, however I would never, and I mean NEVER use the Post Office to ship anything that is fragile. I would ship cables, or books, or DVDs etc, but never would I send a piece of audio gear. I used to work at the Main Postal center in the town I live in and after seeing how they sort parcels you would not ship anything but mail. Note, I have also been in multiple UPS sort facilities, and they have their own issues but it nothing compared to what I saw at the post office. Never been in FedEx.
Rja,

I stand corrected concerning the USPS money order.

I try to learn something new everyday.
I've sold several pieces into the Asian market. I would require the buyer to do a wire transfer and if he does not want to set up the shipping himself be sure to get tracking info, way-bill numbers, etc. and require a signature at delivery and notification of delivery.
Sounds complicated, but actually pretty simple and safe. Everyone is protected and happy!
I started a new job 5 years ago and since then have not been active with audio and not on Audiogon. Previously I purchased and sold on Audiogon but downsized my use of audio and have a closet full of gear to sell - AES, Conrad Johnson, Naim, etc. Looking at the Audiogon listing there appears to be much less for sale compared to 5 years ago. Any ideas why the volume seems to be down.

Roy