Selling to Germany, use escrow.com?

[pnw911s]

Just looking for some assurance I suppose. Been looking into escrow.com, it's the buyers choice of payment service. I'm still uneasy sending my car across the world with no actual money in my bank account. I've done research on the company, been around over 15 years, BBB highest rating, googled the company, searched on the pelican bbs, and found comfort in seeing I'm definitely not the only one thats used them.

Anyone used escrow.com recently? Their customer service person isn't what I'd call overly friendly, but they don't need to be as long as I get the payment for my car.

If you're not familiar with escrow.com, they take payment from buyer and hold it until the vehicle or merchandise arrives and buyer accepts it. If buyer does not accept the vehicle the must pay to ship it back etc.

I'm feeling pretty good about it after looking into it more today, but just looking for some more support I guess.

Thanks!

[GWN7]

They want to ship your car to Germany and drive it around for a few days. Then decide if they want it?

Counter offer....they fly here with a box of cash. Pay you for the car and then they can do what they want with it.

[aigel]

No friggen way! Bank transfer to your account and then the car leaves ...

JMHO ...

G

[Hugh R]

Bank wire transfer or cash

I sold my Aston Martin DB4 to the Prime Minister of Kuwait, his USA buyer showed up on a Monday at the Disney Credit Union, where I bank, in Burbank, CA with a briefcase with $250,000 in cash. Why would you want to risk a dispute, or a couple of % in escrow fees?

[pnw911s]

So escrow.com works at least. I'm not super comfortable with it, but it sounds fine. If the buyer wants to drive it around a few days for $6,000 or more in shipping, I'd be surprised.

[Jandrews]

Who enforces the "he must pay to ship it back" terms?

JA

[GWN7]

Who says you get it back with the same engine in it? $11,000 for a rebuild vs $6,000 shipping.

[asphaltgambler]

Originally Posted by aigel

No friggen way! Bank transfer to your account and then the car leaves ...

JMHO ...

G

^^^^This^^^^

For what it's worth, last year what initially started as me selling 2 early shoe-box Ford's on Ebay, ultimately ended with selling both cars to the same guy in Germany. I did Paypal deposit with the difference in bank wire transfer. There was a lot of communication, selling contract with pictures, VIN.

Once agreed to all terms he wired me the difference for each car. I accommodated his shipper and all was fine. Was there a lot that could go wrong on either end? Of course, but I have a 100% rating on Ebay with a lot of high dollar deals. He did too - but it was the extensive communication and documentation before any money and final agreement / contract was made.

I also sold a rare bike to a guy in Italy - same deal. I post my terms, which are not negotiable. By bidding . buying you agree to those payment terms which are fair to both parties.

My earlier experiences have dictated these terms. It always works.

[Jandrews]

Originally Posted by peteremsley

The buyer doesn't get their money back until the item is returned to the seller. It stays in the escrow account.

I see. That is good, but doesn't that also mean that you don't get your money until the buyer "accepts" the car? What determines "acceptance" and how long does the buyer get to do so?

JA

[pnw911s]

There's a week for the buyer to accept. And correct, that's when I'd get the money for the car and then the title would be sent out. If the buyer rejects he ships car back, then I get to inspect it before officially accepting it.

[Brandon Abbey]

Originally Posted by pnw911s

Just looking for some assurance I suppose. Been looking into escrow.com, it's the buyers choice of payment service. I'm still uneasy sending my car across the world with no actual money in my bank account. I've done research on the company, been around over 15 years, BBB highest rating, googled the company, searched on the pelican bbs, and found comfort in seeing I'm definitely not the only one thats used them.

Anyone used escrow.com recently? Their customer service person isn't what I'd call overly friendly, but they don't need to be as long as I get the payment for my car.

If you're not familiar with escrow.com, they take payment from buyer and hold it until the vehicle or merchandise arrives and buyer accepts it. If buyer does not accept the vehicle the must pay to ship it back etc.

I'm feeling pretty good about it after looking into it more today, but just looking for some more support I guess.

Thanks!

Couple things, as president of Escrow.com I'd like to know more about your discussion with our customer service department because your comment bothers me. You can call the company and ask to speak to me 949-635-3800, I'd be happy to go over the process with you. I would suggest your buyer make arrangements to have an independent inspection of the car. There are many reputable companies to choose from. If both parties are in agreement the funds can be released to you when the shipping company picks up the car.

Brandon Abbey

[Hugh R]

DON"T do escrow, too many variables. Have him hire someone here to inspect, do a PPI, etc. Or tell him to fly over and look at himself.

[GWN7]

Then there is that wonderful escrow company we are not allowed to talk about. The one with the great web pages with links to extremely satisfied customers linked to car based web sites. Two offices, one on the East coast, one on the West coast. Except it was all fake. Hosted in China. DOS attacks if you spoke out against them. 914 world is still getting attacked by them.

[aigel]

Maybe it protects the buyer, but definitely does zero for the seller, except possibly attract a buyer that would otherwise be too scared. That said, it isn't like you are trying to sell ice to the Eskimos, a clean SC should bring good money in the US or with an out of country buyer who is brave enough to wire or even has a local do the transaction for him.

G

[pnw911s]

Originally Posted by Brandon Abbey

Couple things, as president of Escrow.com I'd like to know more about your discussion with our customer service department because your comment bothers me. You can call the company and ask to speak to me 949-635-3800, I'd be happy to go over the process with you. I would suggest your buyer make arrangements to have an independent inspection of the car. There are many reputable companies to choose from. If both parties are in agreement the funds can be released to you when the shipping company picks up the car.

Brandon Abbey

I'm very obviously nervous about this and the responses were bare bones minimal without any attempt at assuring me funds transfer over etc. I was looking for more than "the funds were received via wire transfer". I'm sure the person is busy and gets the same concerned people all the time, but that doesn't make me feel better about sending my car across the ocean without any money in my bank account. It's a scary thought, what if something happens during shipping? Who's car is it at that point? Overall I'm not unhappy with the communication, but I felt like it was obvious I was looking for more thought out responses. I really appreciate you coming and looking for answers though. If I get a chance to this week I will give you a call, but email is best.

I emailed the buyer and we're going to work through this. Probably release the funds and get the title moving and then get the car on its way shortly afterwards. Which will put me at ease and satisfy my concerns.

[porsche4life]

My rule when seing cars. You get possession and title once I get 100% payment. Not ever before. Once you pay me you have a 30 second 30 foot warranty. No way would I alter this for an out of country buyer.

[black_falcon]

I wouldn't even consider escrow even if the buyer was paying absolute top dollar. Too many scams. Too much hassle. Too much stress all week while you wait and wonder. You give all the power to the buyer and put him in control of the deal.

Post the car here on Pelican and you should find a buyer quick without the hassle.