[Randy]

I hope this is on the correct forum. This concerns an item I had for sale on Audiogon. This is an interested buyer's last message. It makes me uneasy for some reason. He has no Audiogon feedback. Suggests I ship it cash COD, something I've never done, and am unsure how it works. Is it a common way these kind of transactions are done? Any advice appreciated.




Hi,
Yeah, let's go for it....how about you eat the shipping and we're done? Please remember to pack well, tighten any transport screws, etc.
I was referring to the amount of time the machine has been used (hours)...I had rotator cuff surgery about 7 weeks ago ( painfull as hell!!) so I cut that sentence short. I hear the unit is supposed to be a rather decent unit ( hopefully........you read so many reviews on things you can go crazy). I'm trying to put a system together and if I don't start making decisions I'm never going to have one! lol !
 
Now....how's the safest way to pay/ get equip for both of us?  I guess there's the paypal thing or I can do cash COD from UPS or something if you want. I only ask for an honest transaction ( no probs w/ equip, etc) Thanks !

[AB]

Does UPS take cash for COD? I don't think so.
If I remember correctly they did but having drivers carry cash around was considered too risky so they stopped around 1998 or so.
COD without cash means a check. Would you take a check from this buyer?
Sounds risky to me.

[doug s.]

personally, i would never accept cod as a payment method.  if there are any trust issues at all, accept only a check, which you can wait until it clears before shipping, or a money order.  even paypal payments can be canceled, if the buyer uses a credit card...

doug s.

[kyrill]

i would stick to paypal
in the Netherlands( where i live) COD is a 100% accepted and safe Dutch way of paying ( with cash, NO check or whatever) 

[djbnh]

I'd second the vote for PayPal. Could also have him send you a USPS money order.

[Randy]

Thanks, fellas. I waited until this morning to answer and told him money order or cashier's check. And I will wait until it clears before shipping. I told him paypal would add $160 to the cost, he is paying $4k for the unit, and I think they now charge 4%. Anyway, I'm sure he wouldn't go for that. Actually, I have the distinct feeling I won't hear back from him.

[Charles Calkins]

Randy:
 You made the right choice. Way too many con artists out there these days. $4K if you got stuck would be nothing to laugh about.

                                                     Cheers
                                                  Charlie

[sjd]

Randy,

In these situations, I buy USPS money orders, mail it to you from the post office.  This way, if the seller reneges, postal fraud is applicable (so I understand it to work).  This will make the buyer somewhat more comfortable.  Certainly safer for an honest seller.

[satfrat]

If you're willing to pay the shipping, then you've already met the guy half way. There's no difference to speak of on his end between paying COD or money order other than a time delay. What is your feedback on Audiogon?  He may want to consider Paypal as it does afford some saftely on his part. I've also seen 3% as the surcharge more often than 4%, you may want to consider that also. 

Cheers,
Robin

[Randy]

If you're willing to pay the shipping, then you've already met the guy half way. There's no difference to speak of on his end between paying COD or money order other than a time delay. He may want to consider Paypal as it does afford some saftely on his part. I've also seen 3% as the surcharge more often than 4%, you may want to consider that also. 

Robin, I have 16 positive feedbacks in six years on Audiogon and should have three or four more, but the guys never got around to posting it. Anyhow, no word back from the guy. I'm sorry I accepted to pay the shipping, so I hope I don't hear back.

[satfrat]

Well it sounds to me like he's willing to work with you so I wouldn't be surprised if he gets back to ya. Depending on shipping charges, he might be willing to go the Paypal route and call it a wash. Regardless I bet you'll at least hear back from him out of courtesy. That's what I'd do anyways regardless of which way I decided to procede. 


Cheers,
Robin