2. misc-audio
  3. 1339482678

Safest way to trade ?

Hi to all of you,

I just bought an ARC SP-11 mk II preamp here on the AudiogoN market place and i was wondering how i do have to proceed to be sure to not lose my money, let me explain.
My seller hasen't any feedback yet, the add was very minimalist, there was no photos, but he send them to me on request, the price is very cheap. Also, my greeck seller says he's a 71 years old and don't have the knowlegde and tools to open it and send me some picts of the inside of the preamp.
I am sure that most of you would have past their way after having reading the add, but i have the 'feeling' that this seller is telling the truth. Altought, the experience i have into buying audio products, tells me that i have to be caution and to find a way to insure my money. Paypal doesn't cover the risk if the product does not conform to the description, which is in fact my major problem. The preamp is supposed to have been serviced and retubed 2 years ago.
So what i am looking for is a 'middle man' service or something like that. A third party, that both of us would agree, and that will keep my money safe but also insure the seller that he'll get he's money once i'll have received the preamp and checked it.

If you have any idea, suggestion, or advice please let me know, thanks.
audiofeel_
ghasley
2,507 posts
 
Well, you have no feedback either audiofeel. Additionally, you are in France, you say the item is in Greece....quite an adventurous first transaction for you!

If I were cynical, I would guess that this is a troll thread.
audiofeel_'s avatar
audiofeel_ OP
1 posts
 
@Elizabeth : thanks for your help and answer, so you just would act as i would.

@Onhwy61 : True, there always be a risk level into buying second hand material and the only behavior to adopt is always to try to minimize it. As Paypal is taking 3% fees, i would say that i would be ready to pay 10% more to have this 'middleman warranty'

@Slikric3000 : conform to an 8/10 AudiogoN notation system that allow people to evaluate the gear and to the specifications of the manufacturer.

@Ghasley : As you're not obliged to leave a feedback,here on the AudiogoN, after a trade, you just can't imagine how many people forgot to... I do not have any feedback but my money just can't be a fake. And if i were cynical i would guess such a lack of observation would come from a troll ?
rrog
1,958 posts
 
I would have the preamp sent to Audio Research for inspection. When Audio Research tells me the preamp is ok I would send payment. I have done this in the past and it works out well for both buyer and seller.
slikric3000
638 posts
 
@Slikric3000 : conform to an 8/10 AudiogoN notation system that allow people to evaluate the gear and to the specifications of the manufacturer.

That is just a guide and not the law of the land, I stand my ground, if you wanna nit pick go buy new ya cheapskate. I can tell you are young, I would say 25, and probably wanna impress you ladyfriends. You are the type that really irritate me around here.
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,291 posts
 
Rrog, who pays for the shipping and services done at Audio Research? I can see how that provides protection for the buyer, but for the seller it's an added burden. A typical seller, let's assume an honest one, is selling an item that he believes is fully functional, but there is no way of knowing whether the unit is meeting manufacturer's specs. I would assume that if the seller could offer evidence of a recent manufacturer's inspection and certificate of good health that you as a buyer would be willing to pay more money for that item versus an uninspected item?
More to discover