How to get security for internet guitar purchases from strangers?

[presa_tito]

There's a guitar I want and there's a good chance I will scoop it up. This isn't ebay or anything, it's just a private sale with someone I have never met, only from emails. I'm wondering how to get some security for the purchase. I think he's trustworthy, but I obviously don't want to get burned. Can you guys tell me how you go about the transactions. Does paypal offer security even if it's a private deal and not through ebay?

 

[kramer]

Re: How to get security for internet guitar purchases from strangers?

Three words, cash on delivery.
Matt

 

[presa_tito]

Re: How to get security for internet guitar purchases from strangers?

He obviously doesn't know me well enough to do that. That would be ideal though.

 

[That90'sGuy]

Re: How to get security for internet guitar purchases from strangers?

Easiest way, www.escrow.com.

TRUST me. I've been burned way too many times. Don't accept no for an answer. If they don't want to do something through that and aren't willing to give it a try, they're not worth it... period.

It protects you. You pay the money to Escrow, they send the package to you. When you receive the package you get to review it and if you like it, Escrow will send them the money. If you don't like it, you have to send the package back or you don't get your money back, double edged sword.

A middleman like Escrow is what you need to ensure both of you are going to be holding out on each's end of the deal.

The nice thing with eBay is that you can view people's feedback. I bought my Grosh online from a guy who has sold 5 grand guitars so a 1400 purchase wouldn't be a difficult one. I talked to him extensively on the phone, but I was still leary so we agreed on a pay half, pay other half when received deal. This obviously was a test of trust, but it helps knowing you have less to lose in case a deal goes south. He had to trust me to send the other half, and I obviously followed through, so we were both very content with the transaction.

 

[Norman_T]

Re: How to get security for internet guitar purchases from strangers?

Risky and you could get burned and never see the money or the guitar, then again the guy may be trustworthy. I have used Paypal to pay for things and not just on e-bay but then some of the people who I have dealt with (and this includes members on this board) have always followed through. If you are using Paypal by a credit card then you may have some recourse through the card company if things go wrong.

Is there anyone who lives close to the guy who may be on the forum and who could perhaps assist you in this matter? I am sure that if it is in the US then they may be able to help you, in going and getting the guitar and sending it to you - provided that they are agreeable and if you were to pay reasonable expenses to them.