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Pulling the trigger on pricey equipment

I have the opportunity to purchase a somewhat expensive pair of speakers from a private seller on Audiogon. His feedback is around 30 and mine is around 160. I have never purchased anything this expensive online privately. The speakers will have to be palletized and shipped freight insured. My angst is in I'm sending a lot of money upfront with the hope of receiving the speakers. Are there any suggestions regarding payment (maybe 1/2 upfront and 1/2 upon delivery) or best way to safeguard my money and alleviate some of the emotional stress in this transaction. Is Paypal my best option?
jig
schipo
1,268 posts
 
I used PayPal to purchase a 780.00 preamp. The seller tried his best to scam me buy not answering my Emails and not answering his phone. I sent cash through the PayPal system to a recognized name and address. I contacted PayPal and they froze his ACCOUNT that day. In 14 days the money was returned back into my account from his. That's the protection PayPal gives if you send payment to a PayPal recognized account.
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
I would not buy anything expensive without viewing it and listening to it.
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,441 posts
 
Problem with PayPal is that silly buyers can use it to freeze the payment for no good reason and trust me when I say no good reason. I had a strange dude do this to me with a lame reason and PayPal just listened to the buyer and immediately froze by PayPal. Use PayPal at your own risk and know as a seller you have no protection from the crazies with any lame reason to cause trouble.
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
I've been fortunate on both the buy and sell side of many deals. Check my feedback.

For example, I just sold my ARC VS-115 amp for a fair piece of coin to a new member (no feedback) who lives on the west coast. I had a good feeling about the guy, especially after a live conversation or two. I even took his personal check and shipped before it cleared. Thank goodness .. no issues on either side of the deal. Check cleared and amp made it to the west coast in A-1 shape.

I also sold speakers (100 pounds each) that had to be palletized. Again, no problems on either side of the deal. Money cleared and speakers made it without a scratch.

I suppose member reviews are helpful, a live conversation is helpful and a little bit of luck is VERY helpful.
bombaywalla's avatar
bombaywalla
1,958 posts
 
I would agree with Bifwynne - exchange telephone #s & call the seller. Have an extended chat with him. It will give you a feel for the person.
Like Bifwynne, I've been very lucky in my sales & purchases on A'gon but each time I called the person & chatted with them. That always gave me either a good feeling (yes, I want to buy from/sell to this person) or a bad feeling (no, this sale is not happening with this person).
Your angst is very understanding & many of us empathize. All the best....
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