Long Distance Craigslist Purchase?

[Neal_J]

All:

My wife needs a medical device that costs $11,000 new.  A guy has a used one for sale in Atlanta for $3,000 (I'm near San Francisco).  The decription & photos indicate the device is nearly new and it's a sturdy device that would not likely be broken either in use or in transit. Of course, being CL he wants full payment up front.

I'm very concerned about gambling that kind of coin.  Any suggestions how to better protect myself?  I thought of using PayPal maybe?

ALL suggestions greatly appreciated.

Neal

[lisiecki1]

I'm leary of anything that requires "full payment up front" for thousands of dollars.  I think I'd stay away unless you can go see it in person.

[Neal_J]

Yea, I agree & thanks.  

However, these devices are rare and unfortunately I can't fly cross-country to inspect it beforehand.  Moreover, I don't know what to look for as the device is pretty specialized. 

So, I'm looking for other ideas to protect myself in the absence of a personal inspection.

[Brock Samson]

 Perhaps someone nearby?.. 

[NHCharger]

Perhaps someone nearby?.. 

Maybe there's a member that could check it out and take a few pics and email them to you. Maybe you could pay this member to help set up shipment across country. Good Luck, I'd help if I were closer.

[HITMAN 149]

sorry im in joisey... otherwise id go scope it out for you!!! 
yea maybe another member can help out!?!?!?
goodluck!!!

[skip68]

Neal, Landonsrt and stripedelete are in Atlanta.   Shoot them a pm.   

[bull]

Neal, Landonsrt and stripedelete are in Atlanta.   Shoot them a pm.   

But would these guys know what they're looking at? I guess they could at least give you a good idea and email some pics.

[skip68]

Good point bull.   BUT, I would feel better to send the money to a member and have the item checked out and if it's good, the member can pay on the spot.   This would be as safe as you can get. 

[stripedelete]

Neal, Landonsrt and stripedelete are in Atlanta.   Shoot them a pm.   

But would these guys know what they're looking at? I guess they could at least give you a good idea and email some pics.

Happy to help.  Just let me know.  Depending on what it is, maybe I can dig up a medical equipement rep that wants to go for a sunday drive .

Pm me.

[Neal_J]

But would these guys know what they're looking at? I

That is the problem, Bull.  I have photos from CL & they look good.  Even if I were there, I wouldn't know what to check for, as its a specialized piece of equipment (thank you for the very generous offer, Stripe).  Since he's out in the weeds (Rabun County, GA) and there are only a few clinics in the country with this specialty & ability to evaluate the device, I'd prefer not to release payment until I have a local clinician inspect/test the device.

The notion I had was some sort of escrow in which the funds are placed until the device is accepted.  He surely won't want to release the device without payment and I don't want to accep the device unless I'm sure it operates properly.

[ipstrategies]

Good luck I hope it works, I have found some bargains on craiglist but never such an large specialized piece. Is the company that offers if for only interested in selling you a new one? maybe see if someone at that company may offer some advice (off the record if they want).

[Neal_J]

Thanks for the suggestions.

Here's how it went down.  First, I spoke to the seller and got a sense that he was a decent guy.  Second, I proposed we used eBay & PayPal for mutually protection & he was totally cool with that approach.  (Failing that, I discovered that there's site called escrow.com that serves an an intermediary for such transactions - they take a like a 2% commission).   Fourth, we agreed to all key terms in advance (price, who pays shipping, returns, acceptance period) Lastly, he set up a Buy It Now auction and called me just as he posted it to ensure I grabbed it. 

Done deal.  Happy seller, happy wife, happy Neal.

[twodko]

Good job!

Tom

[lisiecki1]

glad to hear it worked out well for you Neal.

[HITMAN 149]

love it when it's a WIN.... WIN outcome for all involved!!! now if it was always that easy!!! lol
hope it helps out with your wife!!!!!! 

[Neal_J]

Thanks, everyone. 

Jeff's experience with BK weighed heavily on my mind throughout the process and I was initially very suspect.  It looks like a win-win but shouldn't yet count my chickens until the item arrives next week.

I think what made the difference was: (1) as a medical device, it was an item that few people would want (hopefully reducing the chance of fraud), and (2) the seller's willingness to revise the terms of the transaction to allow inspection & testing and allow return.

[Brock Samson]

 I'm glad that at least so far things with that transaction are going well,..  Best to you your wife and tell ryan I said hello. 

[Neal_J]

The unit arrived in NEW condition, in the original box and all the packaging including the instruction manual, registration card & DVD.  Operationally, it tested just fine. 

Both buyer & seller are completely happy.  Phew!~

And, thanks Dave.  While my car fund is now zero, we'll see you at a future SF Bay Cruise!

[Dans 68]

I'm glad to hear it worked out fine.    See ya around the Bay!

Dan

[Neal_J]

Thanks Dan.

As I told Dave recently, this purchase for my wife wipes out my car fund.  Hopefully in a year, I save it up again & accomplish my three goals to get the car dependable & looking good again:  (1) rebuild the motor, (2) upgrade the brakes, and (3) fix the dent.

When Ohlone?

[Dans 68]

June 6th, 2010. http://www.moparalley.org/

Here is our thread: http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,66444.msg745171.html#msg745171

Dan