An Intermediary? What do you guys think of this?

D

DredJAw

Upstanding Member,
Joined
Oct 26, 2004
Messages
7,197
Reaction score
0
Location
Ottawa, ON
Ok, so a dude on another board has access to a big card I need. However, it is not their own. It's a local collectors. The guy (the intermidiary) has very few feedback (but hey, we all start somewhere).

I asked him if we can arrange something. He asked me to pay it first, then he will send expresspost. I told him I was a little uncomfortable with that because I am new to those boards. However, I do understand him not wanting to go buy it with his own money. I then asked if he could get me in contact with the owner of the card but he said it's just some local collector who doesn't really do that (I assume he means online stuff, etc).

He has now said to me he will take half the payment, then I can pay the rest upon receival.

Now I have no reason to really doubt the guy or anything. But forgive me for being skeptical. Think he may just take my $ and run? (it will be a sizeable amount of $ regardless whether I pay in full or half).

Am I just being too paranoid? Like I said, I have no reason to doubt them. They could be 100% legit and I am overreacting. Just worried.

Thoughts?
 
What's his feedback like at that other place? Has he been around there a long time?

Those are the things I'd look at if it were me...that and the "gut feel" :)

Kev
 
I would say he's making money off you. Probably the reaon he doesn't want to get the other guy involved. Maybe the guy wanted minimal for the card and he padded it for himself?
 
With a purchase that large I'd insist to be in contact with the actual card owner. I'm sure he has an email address or at the very least a phone # to be conatcted through.
 
Who approached who about the card in question? If he approached you I would be wary and ask for references. If you approached him, looking at his site feedback may be enough if it is strong.
 
Should add additional info here:

- I don't want to give anything away but the person has very few feedback (less than 10).

- I noticed he had offered to get it for someone else. I PM'd them saying, 'If it doesnt work with that other person, I'd be interested'. He immediately responded saying the above.

- Also, I am not concerned if he makes money on this transaction. I am fine with the buy price in question. If he makes anything, fine by me.

So as you can see, I'm hesitant. If it was a person with tons of feedback I'd be cool. Or if they replied "let me see if things work out with the other guy" I'd be okay too.

I've got that gut feeling here and thats telling me a lot
 
Last edited:
Is there a moderator over there or someone else that you both would trust that can act as escrow for the card? Not sure either of you would be interested in doing that but it would be a way to get to a better comfort level with both parties.
 
Ern,
Are we talking Paypal? If so, just make sure to use your credit card as form of payment. This way, if you file a claim and he has emptied his account, you just call your credit card company and they will refund your payment and collect directly from Paypal. Problem solved
 
frankiefives said:
Ern,
Are we talking Paypal? If so, just make sure to use your credit card as form of payment. This way, if you file a claim and he has emptied his account, you just call your credit card company and they will refund your payment and collect directly from Paypal. Problem solved
Click to expand...

Is it actually that easy? Ive heard everyone say that often, but im wondering if anyone has had success with it before?
 
dburzyn said:
Is it actually that easy? Ive heard everyone say that often, but im wondering if anyone has had success with it before?
Click to expand...

Yes it is. If you pay for something using your credit card and do not receive it, you simply file a claim with the CC company. They will then contact Paypal asking for proof of delivery (just like Paypal would ask a seller). It's that simple
 
frankiefives said:
Yes it is. If you pay for something using your credit card and do not receive it, you simply file a claim with the CC company. They will then contact Paypal asking for proof of delivery (just like Paypal would ask a seller). It's that simple
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info! There ya go, just pay with CC Ern.
 
Fellas, that may work. However...

He has offered to send expresspost. I've heard stories before where they send an empty mailer via express in order to get a tracking number. Would the CC company just see a tracking number and call it a day even if the contents were empty?
 
DredJAw said:
Fellas, that may work. However...

He has offered to send expresspost. I've heard stories before where they send an empty mailer via express in order to get a tracking number. Would the CC company just see a tracking number and call it a day even if the contents were empty?
Click to expand...

Paypal requires a SIGNATURE on any sale over $250. I'd specifically ask for registered mail with sig. When you receive your package, open it in front of the postal worker. If it's empty, you have a witness to file your claim
 
Yeah, not saying this is a dispute or anything.

Just want to know whats the best course of action and how I should proceed to protect myself and the seller
 
If your seller sends it Expresspost, maybe make sure to have a witness (i.e., postmaster, clerk) when you open your envelope. I know it sounds a bit like paranoia, but better safe than sorry!
 

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Threads
389,513
Messages
2,233,250
Members
4,147
Latest member
Robbyhav
Back
Top