posted on August 2, 2000 10:07:37 PM new
I bid on 2 of 3 mini DV cameras offered in an auction and won them for about $2,000 under MSRP. The seller seems very friendly and is answering emails and everything I could expect. A day or two after the aution ended, I noticed he now has 2 feedbacks, both negative, both saying they didn't get what they paid for (Scam, Scam, Scam to be exact). He has given me his telephone number and address (not PO box), out of the country of course, and I am debating calling and checking it out. Any words of wisdom or comments?
posted on August 2, 2000 11:08:55 PM new
You have probably heard these words at some other point in your life, but they bear repeating. "If it seems too good to be true, it probably is."
posted on August 3, 2000 03:39:48 AM new
Based on the 2 recent negative feedbacks, I would definitely try the phone number. Let us know what happens...
posted on August 3, 2000 07:26:17 AM new
Escrow and/or payment with a credit card both offer protection against no delivery or misdescribed items.
Almost nothing sells for the MSRP but neg's were either deserved or the seller fell to being unfairly attacked as has happened on YAHOO.
I'm not experienced with the conditions of YAHOO's new credit card payment option or any insurance protection YAHOO may offer for transactions but I would look into both if I were in your circumstances.
Spliting payment, with the second payment delayed until first item is received, will also lower the amount at risk.
What is the next lowest price the item is available for from more established sources? ebay closed auction search, Yahoo auctions in progress or a CNET price search will often provide this information. The difference between that price and your auction bid is your potential savings.
A lot of items being liquidated following bankruptcy or store closings is being sold online and offer true bargains. Each week also seems to produce another story of someone offering products but never delivering items after payment.
Hope things go well and please let us know how it all plays out.
posted on August 3, 2000 09:23:16 PM new
If you have any question AT ALL that the seller will send you the merchandise, tell him you will only pay him through I-Escrow (and you'll pay their fee). Then he will only be paid after you receive the merchandise and approve it. If he refuses, he's a fraud and was going to take your money and run.
posted on August 5, 2000 10:12:35 AM new
I tried the phone number, and couldn't get it to work. I emailed him telling him that the phone number didn't work, he send me an email back saying "Send Western Union Money order", and that he "was tierd of so many questions so send it or the deal was off" so I took your advice and told him I would only pay via Escrow. I got an mail that had two words..."Deals Off". I think I sidestepped a real scammer there. Thanks for the advice.
