New credit card payment option

@maplegrovemusic I understand your concern completely; and @musicpod the reason to go "through all this brain damage" is so you don't end up taking the time and expense of shipping something and then NOT getting paid.

For the most part, I've had decent experiences selling on Audiogon. But this new Express Checkout method is more trouble than it's worth. It is supposed to offer "seller protection" but to me, it's more like buyer protection ... since I, as the seller, don't get access to the funds submitted by the buyer (via credit card) unless and until all of the following happens:

1) I ship on my dime and provide tracking information, 2) buyer receives shipment as indicated on tracking "delivered" status. If you require a wet signature and no one is available to accept shipment, guess what? That's another day or 2 added since the item was sold, plus the time in transit (easily a week from coast-to-coast using ground shipping). The final thing is that the buyer has to sign-off that he/she is satisfied with the item. Then funds are released to one's bank account. I'm still waiting for funds to show up in my account that were released yesterday.

Recently I had a similar situation where buyer's address came up as "not valid" on UPS address validation. Further checking indicated destination as a freight forwarding/storage facility. Suite #X was really a locker. Buyer was having equipment forwarded overseas. That, along with a couple of other red flags made me feel uneasy. The other party could end up with my stuff, yet I haven't been paid.

From now on, I will not ship without money in my account ... PayPal or bank account. For some reason, PayPal has started placing "holds" on certain transactions. Why, I don't know, as there seems to be a lack of consistency. My approach now is to pay the A-gon listing fee upfront and therefore gain some control over the transaction. I can offer credit card processing through my business account. Bottom line - if it looks funny, or if there is any hold up on getting paid PRIOR to shipping, insist on bank wire transfer.

Just my 2 cents.

NO!  This smells fishy.  Not worth losing your amp and money for. I suggest letting this "buyer" go and selling to a 'phile you've spoken with by phone - to get to know them - that they are "normal" - like you.  

And to ensure that they won't be some kind of problem  ( some are mega perfectionists in terms of condition and will return you the item because the REALLY want a used item at used price but in super-pristine condition .....or they  want the item picked up by someone else - then they claim they never received it.....or they'll your with a cashier's check or certified check - conterfeit versions of which are readily available to to internet thieves...etc    

I would suggest you NOT sship it !  This smells fishy.  Not worth losing your amp and money for. I suggest letting this "buyer" go and selling to a 'phile you've spoken with by phone - to get to know them - that they are "normal"...reliable - like you.  

And to ensure that they won't be some kind of problem  ( some are mega perfectionists in terms of condition and will return you the item because they REALLY want a used item at used price - but in super-pristine condition .....or a thief can want the item picked up by someone else - then they claim they never received it.....or they'll pay with a counterfeitbcashier's check, certified check - conterfeit versions of which are readily available to to internet thieves...etc.  Counterfeit USPS money orders are circulating also.  Deposit one of those into your account - the bank will accept it at the teller - BUT in several weeks you'll have the bank and police "asking" you to come in to explain why you tried to pass fake checks/money orders.  Ask your bank manager about this.  I only accept in-person cash now ( $20 bills if possible as there are many counterfeit $100 bills around - as per my bank manager )...or a check from an ongoing audio store.   I'm not informed about PayPal, eBay transaction protection policies.

Take a USPS m/o to the post office. They'll know quickly if it's good or not.