Buying from seller with NO FEEDBACK!?!
I was curious what the common outlook is on buying from new sellers without feedback. I realize everybody HAS to start off without feedback but I'm a little scared because I've been ripped off before. The item I'm looking at is a lot more expensive than the one that I previously payed for and never recieved. The pricing on it is decent, nothing "ridiculously underpriced". Has Gun Broker gotten any better at protecting their members from fraud? If I was to never recieve the item what could I do? Is there anything I could do before hand to make a transaction safer? What method of payment is best?
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There is no 100% way to be sure that you won't get ripped off in any long distance transactions, but there are some things that you can do to minimize the risk.
Before you bid, be sure that you have a complete description of the gun, plus good quality photos. If these are not in the posting, request them from the seller. Be sure that the photos show the serial # of the gun. Also, you must know how the gun will be shipped, & what the charge will be. Know the sellers return policy. How long will be give to examine it? Can you fire it? If you return it, who pays shipping? If his description is wrong, will he refund shipping both ways?
After you win, verify the sellers name, address, & phone # on an online directory, such as www.anywho.com. Never send money to a PO box or shipping center. PHONE the seller at the # to be sure that he lives there. If his phone # is unlisted or any other information can't be verified, ask him to mail you a photocopy of his drivers license. If he doesn't check out, back out of the deal & take your lumps. Pay with a USPS MO; that will give you additional leverage with the postal inspectors if he fails to send the item to you.
No online auction service can possibly investigate sellers. It's up to you to do your homework & exercise caution.
Neal0 -
if he takes paypal, use a credit card and if it is not shipped or is not as advertised, you can reverse the charges on your credit card. I don't like paypal, but using a credit card covers your butt 0 -
There are some good tips in the info. section(s) of GB, go over there and check them out.
There is also the option of doing an escrow, but that adds expense and for average purchases, considering the cost add, it probably isn't worth it.
If the seller takes credit cards that is a plus because most cards have protection through the card provider. Even if the seller is charging 3% extra for CC you can think of it as the cost of insurance.
If the seller does not take CC then use a postal moneyorder. And if the seller does not take postal money orders, don't do business with them!
If you only have time to do two things so-so, or one thing well ... do the one thing!0
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