2. misc-audio
  3. 187411-74972

Has buying and/or selling audio gear changed?

Hi Everyone, I've been a longtime observer on Audiogon but this is my first post.  I recently ran into a situation that was new to me as I've recently sold some of my gear and I'm in the process of replacing it.  I've used the normal websites (Audiogon, US Audiomart, TMR, etc) and those transactions have been smooth without any issues.  I normally use PP Goods and Services as well as insurance with shipping.  However, I recently was on a website of a well-known individual in the industry who has a piece of equipment that was reasonable priced.  No, it wasn't a "too good to be true" price but was in the ballpark of what one would expect.  As we were ready to finalize the sale, he informed me that he only does PayPal F&F and he won't insure the product for shipping stating this is now the industry standard and it was non-negotiable.  Is this the new standard and all my other recent transactions were non-typical because I used PP Goods & Services and made sure the shipping had insurance to try and provide some protection?  I don't live close enough to buy the gear in person and I've bought and sold across the US and never had a problem but always used Goods and Services for peace of mind for the unexpected issue or problem.  For the record, I'm only interested in conversation that is related to what the industry standard is, not the individual involved here.  Let me know your thoughts.      

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glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,516 posts
 

I refuse to use Paypal as a whole now its just not safe anymore for the seller, waiting for your money, issues with returns, returns not what you sent them, fee's etc. I've come to the point i wont ship until the money is in my bank account. on more costly items anyway. 

I also always pay for shipping when a buyer and demand shipping insurance ( that I pay for) even though it only covers loss its cheep enough that on higher priced items its worth it. Insurance also makes the shipment require a signature so no dropping on your door step, to be stolen. I also find with insurance the packages seem to arrive in better condition, and with out hidden fees. 

carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
1,382 posts
 

For those of you who say "paypal goods and services of hit the road", what do you do if they don't take paypal?

carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
1,382 posts
 

@glennewdick I had a coin business for years.  In the coin business we have a saying that insurance stickers mean "steal me".  Most coin dealers on expensive packages do not use insurance but instead pay for signature confirmation.

Jerry

czarivey
5,717 posts
 

For those of you who say "paypal goods and services of hit the road", what do you do if they don't take paypal?

@carlsbad2 , as you may've noticed the ENTIRE world is divided by 2 very easily distinct parts: one part can and the other cannot...

I thought coin dealers/collectors never bite on e-commerce at all. I do have diamonds and fine watches, but would unlikely deal with neither paypal nor even cashapp. The very best I've ever done is accepting personal checks and sending items after clearing. Normally, if I'm acting with client distant from me, i'd find an escrower that can communicate via facetime or any video conversation and do it that way. This is how you develop trust pretty much by involving people instead of trying to mingle with monstrous morons from PP or PayPal with FrenchFries and other funky menus. 

chazz101s's avatar
chazz101s
5 posts
 

Using F&F can mean a fee from your credit card company.

Happened to me with Bank of America.

Bye, bye, BofA.

F&F, never again.

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