Has buying and/or selling audio gear changed?

This entire discussion goes back to the “buy the seller” concept. Do some due diligence, ask questions, look at feedback. F&F has become more a standard now as PayPal has implemented several new “security” policies that hold money, cause problems with transaction timing etc. Frankly, it is making PayPal less and less attractive to use as a whole. I use F&F now as a seller, I have deep feedback, all positive. If a potential buyer is not ok with that, that’s fine. I generally buy with F&F as well, unless I want to finance the purchase in some way. Then I usually negotiate with the seller at some level. Regarding insurance, as mentioned that’s on the seller. If the item gets lost or is DOA due to shipping damage, that’s on the seller. Their loss if they didn’t buy insurance. Postal insurance is a money grab, it rarely pays out if there is a problem that is shipping damage related. EBay’s systems are an exception. They do a pretty good job, oddly enough.

1st Post, alrighty then,

You have clues not to buy from that seller. I simply do not like giving money to someone I don’t trust or like. IF unique, well, how to get it?

I suggest you offer to pay the extra (3%?) for the PayPal Goods and Services fee.

AND, If seller buys insurance on your behalf (again, you pay), be aware, the insurance is in seller’s name, you have to take damaged item to agent’s local office, they have to agree damaged, then seller has to make the claim, be successful, then give you the refund.

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USP Pack and Ship

One option for anything, (and if you buy from someone like this) is to use UPS Pack and Ship. I’ve used it a few times successfully. You do not pay seller any shipping cost.

Using seller’s zip code, find UPS Pack and Ship store nearest him (all locations are not pack and ship). You get size and weight from the seller (or online search). You call UPS, get estimate for them to receive unboxed item(s), box, ship, they are responsible for any damage.

Next: seller simply drops unboxed item(s) at the designated UPS Pack and Ship near them , with your name on it. You pay UPS directly, all is in your name. Seller walks away. Note: you want many prior photos showing condition of item(s).

UPS gives you final cost, a bit less or a bit more than the estimate based on their own weight/size measurements.

NOTE: for anything ’local pick up only’, this can be a way to get something, seller just drops it off for you. I’ve done that also, except one stubborn coot in Canada. (UPS Canada has Pack and Ship to USA)

Never ask the seller to buy insurance.  Now you're sharing in the responsibility for safe delivery.  It is fully the seller's responsibility.  Leave it that way.

Occasionally I see sellers saying that insurance is the buyer's option.  I usually respond that it it up to them.  If they are one of the sellers that states "not responsible for uninsured shipments" I generally move on.  not my job to try to set them right.  Also this statement indicates they've had problems before.

Jerry

I am one of those guys who hates to dicker over price.  If I want an item and I think the price is ok, I am interested.  If the price is high to cover lowballers, I am not interested.  So, I am a great buyer.  However, I will never, never purchase any item through friends or family or any manner that takes away my recourse for fraud, damage, or poor quality.  If they do not take PayPal full I will not talk to them.  60 years in retail has shown me to never trust anyone I do not have experience with.  Always cover all the bases.

Let me tell you.

the way I see it -- it really did, because I donno what F&F heck means and I also sold quite a few pieces of the gear and media here and around the web internationally and domestically.

Also is PP and PayPal the same or PP is the one you use to discharge urges??

If anyone knows any other new acronyms, please post in response.

THANKS!