Buying and Selling; shipping items and Escrow.com
Good Morning Audiogonners-
I'm considering attempting to purchase some large/heavy speakers from an individual seller on this site, and am concerned about shipping damage, and wonder of anyone could share experience with escrow.com as a means of payment.
From my personal interactions with UPS and FedEx over the last couple of years, I've learned that (I can't remember which) unless you have a personal or business account, you can't insure (a) over a relatively low figure for "damage"; or (b) for anything other than a lost item, such that the buyer and seller might end up with some very nice speakers damaged in shipping and a shipper that has limited willingness to "do" anything about it.
In addition to that, I've never had the personal pleasure of filing an insurance claim with either of FedEx or UPS, but have read many a horror story about the process.
To the extent that a buyer and seller agree that shipping damage is the responsibility of the Seller, and that (for instance) Buyer can document said shipping damage, and after returning the damaged speakers to the seller, receive a refund of 100% of the purchase price, I wonder if "Escrow.com" is a service that anyone has used and could comment upon?
(+1 @ elliottbnewcombjr)
The answer is simple - Include the cost of VISA, PP or other secure transactions (usually 3%) when negotiating the final cost (including shipping) of the offered item(s).
All buyers - NEVER use PP F&F, cash, or direct payments. All sellers - please know that requiring F&F, cash, etc. nearly eliminates the opportunity for a sale of your equipment. I/we will never buy from you... Case closed. |
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As the seller, I only accept certain payment (cleared check, or money order, etc.) and shipping terms of FOB (Free on Board) - in which the buyer’s shipper picks up the item, the buyer pays for shipping directly to the shipper, and risk of loss during shipment is the buyer’s risk to file claims with the shipper. Or, the buyer can pick up the item personally. The buyer is free to choose the shipper the buyer prefers (UPS, FedEx, or freight shipper, etc.). "UPS Pack & Ship" appears to be a good alternative for shipment to assure good insurance coverage and minimal potential for difficulties in settlement of claims. I take plenty of pics of the item, the packaging and the packing process to provide to the buyer to support any claims. The buyer is in control of the shipment and the risks, and determines the shipper in which he has the greatest confidence, who honors their insurance, which may be a freight shipper. That is the best way to avoid conflicts. |
@viridian and @bassdude
Thanks for the comments. I understand you, and many sellers, would prefer to put ALL of the Risk on the seller. How nice for you. But there a few problems... 1. All functional (and most cosmetic) issues can be hidden with good photography. 2. AG advertisements require an item to be assigned a condition-rating (e.g. 9/10) and to state any defects (both functional and cosmetic). If it ARRIVES (to the buyer) in a lesser condition, you are in breach of that contract (i.e. false advertising). 3. Cash up-front (including F&F), with no item in-hand leaves the buyer stranded, hoping they are not getting ripped-off. If an issue arises, the Buyer does all of the work to rectify the problem - Truly unscrupulous. 4. Sellers may have gotten the items from the gray-market, with absolutely no provenance, with the intent to 'flip' them for profit. Consequently, the internal parts may not be original parts or may not even be functional. 5. The items being sold may be a knock-off items. This is a very common issue with cables, tubes, etc. - it seems that China is especially adept at imitating trademarked goods. If I were working with a Used Car Dealer, instead buying your used audio gear, at least I would have the chance to drive it, look under the hood, kick the tires, etc. BEFORE turning over my cash. Clearly, your sales process falls below that considerably very-low bar. ** Again, I encourage ALL BUYERS to avoid buying from dealers who will not stand behind the sale. It is our money, and we deserve to be protected from scammers. Ethical sellers should know enough to avoid that crowd by using a buyer-protection backed medium (ex. Credit Cards, PP, etc.).
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