Selling parts

Suggestions on the art of exchanging money for parts. If I mail a check whats to keep me from getting stiffed and the same for shipping parts. How does one protect themselfs. I am talking about buying and selling part here on this BBS

[This message has been edited by RLJ (edited 06-25-2000).]

Are you talking of Ebay? They are on a sort of honor code by feedbacks but there is always the risk of a new seller stiffing you. As far as a private deal, if you are selling something, wait for the check to clear before shipping, (most ebay sales are this way.) If you are buying, unless you can use a card, (highly recommended), you need to somehow make a determination if this person can be trusted. Have they sold other items? Ask for some satisfied buyers. Not all people are as considerate as you would like them to be. Taking as much precaution is in your best interest.

You can look into some companies that use Escrow like services. You advertise, buyer pays the escrow account, when received and accepted the escrow account pays the seller. I think you get a three day window to inspect and backout if items are not right. If the buyer backs out then the merchandise has to be received back by the seller in order to get buyers money back. check out www.i-escrow.com as an example.

You can also use services like www.billpoint.com. They will broker the transactions via credit card. Seller is en-sured the money and buyer gets the protection of normal visa/MC dispute processes.

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TonyE
85 911 wide-body cab.

Should clarify. I have never used either of these and I only used those two companies for reference because they are listed by Ebay.

There has got to be other companies dong the same thing.

Good Luck

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TonyE
85 911 wide-body cab.

C.O.D. - the only way to go. If you pay do it with a check (it can be cancelled) or a credit card (it can be back charged). If selling ask for a deposit as well.

I have bought and sld a number of things on the internet - E-bay and exchanging Porsche parts and the only way I will do it is through Pay Pal. Once the payment is posted it is yours. It goes directly into your bank. No cancalled checks.
If you think COD's are foolproof check out the Rennlist for stories about them.

Just my .02

Tom Sharpes
74 911 Targa http://members.rennlist.com/5150targa

I have bought & sold a LOT of stuff, on ebay and elsewhere. Got burned for $40 once early on, but that's it, and I learned a good lesson there. The guy was a known crook already under fraud investigation...

A couple tips: (1) I very very rarely will bid/buy anything without a picture. Not that this is foolproof, but it does HELP show that the seller is likely to actually have the item, and if you're lucky the pics are sharp enough to get a feel for quality/condition. (2) As was mentioned before, always pay by credit card if possible, although for <$100 or so I don't worry about this too much. The new services (PayPal, BillPoint, etc.) are neat innovations and worth a try. (3) ALWAYS check "feedback" on the seller, and not just the ebay type: has he/she had a long-term relatively positive presence on a list like Rennlist (or here)? Does he/she sell a lot of stuff or run a true business -- if so, great, check w/ some other buyers before you dive in. (4) Is there a "right of refusal" w/ refund? If not, beware.

For the cautious and informed, the 'net is an incredible resource for off-the-beaten-path Porsche (and other) merchandise. Just use your head and watch your wallet.

Good luck,
Chris C.