international buyer,

Hi, I have done 9 overseas transactions. I was the "seller". I have used Paypal 4 times, Western Union wire transfer 2 x, and, with "friends" I have made globally bank to bank transfer several times. The largest shipment was an Audio Research tube amp to spain...400.00 to ship 110 lbs! take the time to actually talk to your perspective buyer, on the phone. Follow your "gut" instinct! If you have the slightest reservation,, get out! In conclusion, to date, no problems what so ever. Never use fedex to ship! they are the worst! If you would like more help, I would be happy to walk you through this. This is "Audiogon" not ebay, quality people here.........Scot

I have also done an international sale. Easy as pie to receive money. Bank transfer ("wired money"). Just to obtain a comfort level, however, phone your bank and get the specifics with respect to the risk involved, etc.

remember Paypal charges another ~1.1% on top of their 2.9% for internation money conversion. I have done paypal and bank transfers before. Both have been painless. Shipping with insurance is the risk because typically you can't insure it. Try to use USPS for shipments but they won't ship large components. then you ahve to look elsewhere.

As everyone has said, use your gut feeling and yes there is a Cashiers check scam where they send you too much and want you to wire the money to another account ASAP...

If you don't have a tracking number to track the item to the buyer's door, you are at risk of Paypal chargebacks. I probably will not ship international again. Three times in the last three months I am out the purchase price, plus Paypal fees, plus the merchandise to chargebacks with international buyers. All three times customs and postage info were forwarded to Paypal with no effect. All were Ebay auctions. That could be the main problem. Paypal is an Ebay company.

I have never had a problem, buying or selling to Singapore, HK, Germany, Italy, Australia and Canada. Without excellent Audiogon feedback that you can verify, I would only do Western Union or wait for a money order or cashiers check to clear. Guess I've been lucky.