Safe audiogon transactions; lowering the bar.


It appears to me that a large number of people send bank
checks / money orders to pay for used equipment sight
unseen. Most private sellers insist upon this form of
payment. The culture appears to require buyers to take
significant risk in order to benefit from lower prices.

Although this is not surprising in itself, it seems to me
that Audiogon could preserve the long term health of this
website, and its priviledges with more proactive policies.

e.g. providing guidelines on how to conduct a proper
transaction; a list of important questions to ask,
what the seller / buyer should have in writing before
a transaction should proceed, and perhaps provide a
summary of the most common problems which develop between
sellers and buyers.

There are nagging questions: Who owns the equipment once
it has been shipped? Who should be insured?

Perhaps some experienced sellers and buyers would share
their own approach to transactions on this site and how
they get people to put their best foot forward despite
themselves.
hindemith
Interesting point of view, Bill, in that you detail all the steps you take to protect yourself from uscrupulous buyers yet bristle at the idea that buyers might desire to protect themselves from unscrupulous sellers, as well.

This isn't about paranoia, it is about playing on a level field. I'm dubious about sellers who say "trust me" but obviously don't trust their customers.
Bill, what you said...
"I'll never understand those who have little or no transaction history and are untrusting of others who have substantial immaculate transaction history, and believe that cod is the answer. It kinda makes me suspicious of them!!! "
I once had the pleasure of dealing with exactly that type of buyer & under those same circumstances; yes I was suspicious of someone who wouldn't even trust a seller with immaculate credentials. This guy wouldn't trust his own mother! I tried to accomodate him initially but the COD became such a hassle that I rescinded the offer. I then got slammed with 3 illegal neg. feedback postings (Audiogon fixed that of course). Later I found out from 2 other sellers that they had experienced significant problems with this clown. I was sure glad that I listened to my gut feelings; I could just tell that he was a jerk from the very beginning.
Bishopwill is correct re: leveling the playing field. I have always wondered why it's usually taken for granted that buyer take risk by sending $ on trust. I have and continue to urge Agon to set up a relationship with an escrow service to try and make it a more even and safe relationship for both buyer and seller. IMO, this is a very serious deficiency in the net transaction model. However, so far, I've been OK on all counts. Made a few mistakes, due to lack of research or not carefully reading ads. Ebay is way more of a risk than here, IMO.
Hi Bishopwill,

I read your Ebay feedback; 6 positives, 1 neutral, 3 negatives and your Audiogon feedback; zero. I think I understand the value of your experience on this subject.

Another proof that a logical extension of an illogical premise is still bull!

The playing field can never be level, it's always tilted to one side. Only question to me, irrespective of position, is can risk be eliminated? I did mention I'm an actuary, didn't I?

Best wishes,
Bill E. Not trying to turn this into a major battle, but I agree with Bishopwill and my feedback here and on ebay is all + as a buyer only (over 50 completed TRANSACTIONS). I'm not so sure if the playing field will ever be completely level, but us buyers are putting our $$ on the line with NO risk to the seller when we send M.O.s, cashiers check, paypal, whatever. Luckily I'm not talking from bitter experience but it IS appropriate to discuss ways to protect the buyer more.