2. amps-preamps
  3. 190130-140513

A Better Way to Buy Gear - Help Needed

** this is a Sale-Process question... not a Gear question**

Hi All:

I intend to upgrade my stereo this year and have located an item that I want to purchase. Unfortunately, there is a ‘snag’ -- the seller insists on receiving the money before I get to see the item.

With this introduction, I would greatly appreciate knowing your individual/collective experience and advice.  Perhaps there is a solution!

 

About the Sale-Process:

The seller accepts only cash or PayPal Family & Friends:  He gets the money before I get the item. 

Because I would be without PP Buyer Protection, I would be stuck with any/all repair(s).

 

About the item:

The item is sealed in a box (NOS), so I cannot

    1. determine if it was damaged during shipping (to his house),
    2. power-up the unit and demo/confirm the functions. 
    3. verify the cosmetic appearance of the item
    4. verify that the correct item is in the box!
    5. Condition is advertised = 11/10

The item is big, heavy and expensive.  I have seen a photo of the box, but there is no meaningful information visible in that photo (e.g. company, make, model).

 

Additional information:

The seller lives in another State, a long way from my location.  A visit would involve a flight (or a long drive) and day or two in a hotel.  

The seller has a 95% rating. 

To me, a good rating means that I am willing to engage with a seller, but it does NOT justify sending the money without verifying the item’s existence/condition.

 

My question:

Because I am not inclined to send cash up-front, is there a better way forward for this ‘money-before-gear’ type of sale?

 

Thanks in advance for your replies, and happy listening!

inagroove
soix
9,456 posts
 

I wouldn’t buy expensive equipment from anyone with less than 100% positive feedback. 

toronto416
226 posts
 

Is it an amp or a box full of bricks?  If he has not opened the box how does he know what is in it and in what condition it is in?

I would never buy without proper photos, and never buy from someone with less than 100% positive ratings.

If you ask for photos and he refuses you should run - unless you are looking for some really expensive bricks...

inagroove OP
106 posts
 

Hi All,

Wow!  It seems unanimous..."Full Reverse... All Engines".

@ grislybutter - For reference, the item is between $10k and $15k, so I am with you folks - No verify, No buy.  (sounds a bit like Boby Marley).

@ czarivey - I have never hear of Zelle before, but what a coincidence, just this the seller sent me not telling me that Zelle is connected to his bank account.  Small World.

What I am NOT hearing is that I missed something - i.e. an easy solution.  That said, thanks again for the imput. I am more comfortable playing by the normal rules...

Now for some music!

mlsstl
1,437 posts
 

The only "easy solution" when dealing with a either a scammer or a jerk seller that is unwilling to show what is being sold is to walk away.   Going forward with the transaction is a major roll of the dice. 

grislybutter
3,027 posts
 

I can add what I rarely end up doing: it's best to buy/sell when you have the upper hand (leverage is a ....)

Our desires can often weaken us into dicey transactions 

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