Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
Ive asked him if he has any relatives / associates / friends in the dallas area to whom I could pay cash and take delivery instead.
What is the best course forward? Do I go ahead? Is there any alternative arrangement anyone can suggest?
Has anyone been in a similar situation ?
Login to Like
this post
Silvermirror,
First, I wouldn't give anyone $3K until I see the merchandise and check it VERY thoroughly, which would involve several hours at least. If he does not want to meet you and let you inspect his merchandise, chances are it is probably a scam and you will be out $3K for a bunch of junk. That deal he is offering sounds like buying a "Pig in a Poke". Follow that age-old advise of "Caveat Emptor", especially with someone you do not know.
Good luck,
Mike
Login to Like
this post
Would it be appropriate on my part to provide his name and location and ebay ID . Maybe some of you know him as a honest dealer...
Or that would not be kosher?
Login to Like
this post
That's a lot of money. I'd want to get several offers by trusted and recommended dealers and compare them or get recommendations about this dealer from someone you respect and trust.
Also the cash (check, money order) angle sounds risky. Some of the "middle men" may be worth the extra fee if they can add trust, integrity or problem resolution capabilities to help you out if things don't work out. Even use of a credit card gives you some recourse for problems.
There are a variety of scams going on in this economy. Protect yourself.
Login to Like
this post
09:48:20pm
I agree with everyone who has posted so far on this issue.
First, if you're going to pay for something of a large sum like that - insist on credit card. If he's a legitimate dealer, he has the ability to accept credit card. Or, Paypal - which provides the same protection that credit cards do on such large sums (although I'd go with the credit card myself). I'd never do the cash bit - you need a paper trail when it comes to large sums like that.
In terms of buying something like that unseen, with a dealer who you've never had previous experience with? I'd never do it. If I'm going to make large purchases, I've tested my waters with smaller purchases from the dealer and built up a good rapport before going into the big stuff and I've done the comparison shopping and references on the dealers.
Also, you mentioned they are older issues that you are purchasing. Beware because the number of forgeries out there on older issues is startling. Not only forgeries in relation to the stamps themselves, but forged cancellations (such as when the used cv is higher than unused).
If you *really* decide to go ahead with this - get him to scan it all. Are they on album pages? If they are, there's a good chance there are thins or repairs that can't be seen because of the album page.
All I can say is - I *personally* wouldn't do it.
Kelly
Login to Like
this post
Thanks Liz.
I think i'll let this deal drop.
My savings could use the money. Thank God I got my mortgages paid off. All the bigwigs say there is no recession but sure feels like one.
Login to Like
this post
Another option would be to buy a few smaller lots from the dealer in question. See if you are happy with the way he does business, with the quality of the stamps etc.
Tim
Login to Like
this post
08:44:42pm
I'm currently in contact with a dealer who has a lot of the old stamps I am trying to acquire. He has reviewed my want list and the items he can provide come to about $3k. I had requested a discount for the bulk order which he has agreed to provided I pay by check or money order - he can cut out the middle men and give me much better terms. The dealer is based in another state and has very good feedback on ebay.
Ive asked him if he has any relatives / associates / friends in the dallas area to whom I could pay cash and take delivery instead.
What is the best course forward? Do I go ahead? Is there any alternative arrangement anyone can suggest?
Has anyone been in a similar situation ?
Login to Like
this post
re: Advice on a stamp deal.
Silvermirror,
First, I wouldn't give anyone $3K until I see the merchandise and check it VERY thoroughly, which would involve several hours at least. If he does not want to meet you and let you inspect his merchandise, chances are it is probably a scam and you will be out $3K for a bunch of junk. That deal he is offering sounds like buying a "Pig in a Poke". Follow that age-old advise of "Caveat Emptor", especially with someone you do not know.
Good luck,
Mike
Login to Like
this post
09:35:15pm
re: Advice on a stamp deal.
Would it be appropriate on my part to provide his name and location and ebay ID . Maybe some of you know him as a honest dealer...
Or that would not be kosher?
Login to Like
this post
Approvals
re: Advice on a stamp deal.
That's a lot of money. I'd want to get several offers by trusted and recommended dealers and compare them or get recommendations about this dealer from someone you respect and trust.
Also the cash (check, money order) angle sounds risky. Some of the "middle men" may be worth the extra fee if they can add trust, integrity or problem resolution capabilities to help you out if things don't work out. Even use of a credit card gives you some recourse for problems.
There are a variety of scams going on in this economy. Protect yourself.
Login to Like
this post
A Service Dog gives a person with a disability independence. Never approach, distract or pet a working dog, especially when (s)he is in harness. Never be afraid to ask questions to the handler (parent).
02 Jul 2012
09:48:20pm
re: Advice on a stamp deal.
I agree with everyone who has posted so far on this issue.
First, if you're going to pay for something of a large sum like that - insist on credit card. If he's a legitimate dealer, he has the ability to accept credit card. Or, Paypal - which provides the same protection that credit cards do on such large sums (although I'd go with the credit card myself). I'd never do the cash bit - you need a paper trail when it comes to large sums like that.
In terms of buying something like that unseen, with a dealer who you've never had previous experience with? I'd never do it. If I'm going to make large purchases, I've tested my waters with smaller purchases from the dealer and built up a good rapport before going into the big stuff and I've done the comparison shopping and references on the dealers.
Also, you mentioned they are older issues that you are purchasing. Beware because the number of forgeries out there on older issues is startling. Not only forgeries in relation to the stamps themselves, but forged cancellations (such as when the used cv is higher than unused).
If you *really* decide to go ahead with this - get him to scan it all. Are they on album pages? If they are, there's a good chance there are thins or repairs that can't be seen because of the album page.
All I can say is - I *personally* wouldn't do it.
Kelly
Login to Like
this post
09:50:26pm
re: Advice on a stamp deal.
Thanks Liz.
I think i'll let this deal drop.
My savings could use the money. Thank God I got my mortgages paid off. All the bigwigs say there is no recession but sure feels like one.
Login to Like
this post
re: Advice on a stamp deal.
Another option would be to buy a few smaller lots from the dealer in question. See if you are happy with the way he does business, with the quality of the stamps etc.
Tim
Login to Like
this post