Expensive AB&S purchases

[JamesF]

Let's say I'm interested in purchasing something advertised on AB&S that's relatively expensive (more than I'd want to carry as cash).  I'd go to pick it up from the seller, but that's some distance so I only want to make the trip once.

Is there a neat way to handle the transaction in one hit so both parties can be comfortable that nothing unpleasant is going to happen?

James

[John]

When I bought my Lzos 130 refractor I made a bank transfer at the vendors home, once I was happy with the condition of the scope. He was able to supply his bank details to me direct at the time that I made the transfer which reduced the risk for him as well.

The only risk that I ran was the fuel to go and see the scope.

 

 

[Pig]

James,
I have internet banking and have paid via the app on my phone after seeing the goods.
This saves both of you carrying any cash pre and post sale. I have done this on two occasions and both the sellers were more than happy

[Astronut1982]

Hi James,

 

Could you not transfer the funds online or via a phone app?  I travelled from Scotland down to Birmingham with a friend to look at & probably buy an obsy. We travelled down, had an inspection to make sure we were happy & then he transferred the funds to the sellers acccount.

The price was a four figure sum so relatively expensive so I'm assuming that this possible with most banks but I could be wrong.

 

Jeff

[andyboy1970]

Friend of mine went to the bank with the purchaser and made the transfer over the counter.

[SkyBound]

I have made the payment there and then via PayPal as gift, they can see funds straight away....or bank transfer, although depending on your bank this can take a while to set up a new payment, well it does with Santander, with PayPal you only need there email address and it's instant...everybody happy

[paul mc c]

As all said,a bank transfer is safest and almost immediate,though with my bank i need to use a card reader,that i can carry with me.

 

[JamesF]

Yes, bank transfer done at the time from a phone or laptop sounds like it might be feasible as long as I remember to take my magic key

James

[Pete Presland]

Do some research on the seller if possible, most have some sort of Internet footprint. Speaking to them on the phone generally helps get a feel as well.

The travelling a friend and bank transfer seem like very sensible suggestions as well. 

I have met a couple of sellers at motorway service stations.  I have always had a friend with me,  just to be on the safe side.

[Paz]

Setting aside methods of payment I have found that speaking to the seller on the phone is very helpful. You can tell if someone is an enthusiast and if they know what they are talking about as this hobby is so specialist, and I have found in this hobby that people who know their stuff tend to be accurate and honest in describing what they are selling.

There is always the exception that proves the rule but a phone conversation is helpful.

[sloz1664]

38 minutes ago, Paz said:

Setting aside methods of payment I have found that speaking to the seller on the phone is very helpful. You can tell if someone is an enthusiast and if they know what they are talking about as this hobby is so specialist, and I have found in this hobby that people who know their stuff tend to be accurate and honest in describing what they are selling.

There is always the exception that proves the rule but a phone conversation is helpful.

I have purchased a few expensive items through AB&S and I have always spoken to the vendor on these occasions. Haven't had an issue as yet.

 

Steve

[swag72]

I may a large purchase last month and went to look at the scope and then when I was happy with it I made a bank transfer at the sellers house for the full amount. I was happy and he was happy

[ampleamp]

As always caveat empor, but speaking from a seller's perspective (I sold my Mesu mount recently), i absolutely wanted the purchaser to come and view the item so that I knew they were happy with their purchase, and i think most sellers of expensive items would want the same. Of course you can hide in the internet world, and I am never likely to meet the purchaser again, or even recognise him, but for my own purposes I wanted to sell in good faith. Ultimately i left the decision to come and view to him and if refused we would both know the opportunity was offered and then for me it is very much caveat empor as I wouldn't want a fight with a courier firm that dropped my item, or defend not packing the item securely etc etc.

Agreed there is an inconvenience factor if there is a distance to travel but whenever i have made a purchase, i view it as an opportunity to learn as I have always picked up tips and it is often fun to meet someone else who is interested in a similar branch of astronomy.

[Stu]

I can only agree with everything above.

I have bought and sold a number of large & expensive items from ABS, and on a number of occasions have paid there and then either using my phone or a PC. I have also had someone bring their laptop to my house when they came to see a scope and they did a bank transfer when they were happy.

On other occasions I have paid in advance before collection or had things shipped. This will have been when I know and trust someone, or have checked things out to the extent that I am comfortable with them. You can normally tell even from email communications if people are genuine enthusiasts, but a phone call is very help. I have had some fantastic chats as a result.