need advice regarding Audiogon.com

[mrohde]

I'm looking at buy something on audiogon worth almost $4k. the guy selling it has a rating of 90 (in their system that is 30 sales) with no bad reports. He wants me to pay thru Paypal (fine with me). Is the rating system on audiogon some what secure over there? Can I be confident that this guy is on the up and up? He has been a audiogon member for approx. 2 yrs.

He has a verified paypal account (approx. 2 years old) with 22 transactions


I will not hold you responsable for exspressing your opinions

I would appreciate any insite anyone might have. this is a lot of money to send to someone I don't know.

Thanks,
Mike

[Club1820]

Yes, alot of money.

Paypal has its dispute department that will help resolve any disputes. They will get your money back if something happens but it may take awhile.

When I use paypal, I ALWAYS use my Amex Card as the funding source. I NEVER do a bank transfer (just me being safe) through paypal. This way if something happens, I have Paypal to fight for me AND American Express!!!

Good Luck!

[Brandon B]

Except Paypal's mandatory investigative period for disputes typically runs past the time period allowed for you to put the payment in dispute on your credit card. I haven't read a lot of stories involving paypal's dispute department that are favorable. But then maybe those people have no incentive to talk about their experience.

BB

[warnerwh]

I've done alot of business there and would feel confident with that person. The integrity there in general is far superior to ebay. On big purchases I like to exchange phone numbers and talk to the person. With 30 transactions it's extremely unlikely you're going to get ripped off. I've never had a serious problem and I've got 65 transactions there.

[Blindamood]

I have used audiogon on a number of occasions (with PayPal), and have never had a problem either. I would probably trust the seller you refer to, based on the rating.

However, I have sort of a personal policy of not buying anything valued much over $1K through a transaction of this sort. Just don't like to put that much money at 'risk.' I did buy an $1800 item last fall, but it was a local pickup, so I got to meet the guy face-to-face. Another policy of mine is that I must see pictures of the item...can't believe people even post without them.

[Club1820]

Except Paypal's mandatory investigative period for disputes typically runs past the time period allowed for you to put the payment in dispute on your credit card. I haven't read a lot of stories involving paypal's dispute department that are favorable. But then maybe those people have no incentive to talk about their experience.

BB

Correct me if I am wrong - but don't you typically have 6 months to dispute a charge on your credit card?

Well, either way. If that isnt the case - then I would just dispute the charge with Amex and not wait for Paypal. Amex is very good at protecting its customers!

Never do a bank transfer, especially for that amount!

[gd]

No guarantees, but I've had nothing but good experiences on Agon in 5 transactions... I don't use Paypal.

That is a significant sum... you might consider setting up an escrow... I think there is info on Agon or at Paypal.

You might also be advised that Agon cannot help you with disputes... and it has been suggested more than once that ratings procedures and management there are suspect.

There are always a few bad apples.

But I still consider Agon a good place to do business... the majority of 'Goners are gear nuts like us who do lots of upgrading and experimenting, thus creating opps for bargains in the process.

[mrohde]

Thanks everyone, I pulled the trigger this morning and I think I'm feeling OK. I may not sleep much until pre/pros shows up however.

[Beermoney]

I know you've pulled the trigger already but I thought I would add a little reassurance. I bought about $1,500 is two different transactions and did not have a problem. I think you're pretty safe if you:

1. avoid offshore deals
2. avoid wire transfers
3. make sure you know how to contact the seller
4. think about your recourse before you do the deal
5. Use common sense, hey if it looks like a duck and quacks...guess what?

I think Audiogon is pretty safe. I've even used this same approach on ebay with good success.

Enjoy!

[whoaru99]

I've got a gone into a few transactions with the single biggest being $1850.00 Every time what I received was in as good or better condition than I expected.

However, as has been said, bad things can happen. Usually talking to the person gives you a gut feel to go on.

I'd guess everything will work out just fine.

[kgveteran]

I've only bought items less than 400.00 .I've had good luck both selling and buying. 4K is alot of dough.Get a number and get a feel for the person.Nothing is perfect but you have to try.

KG

[wkhanna]

Thanks everyone, I pulled the trigger this morning and I think I'm feeling OK. I may not sleep much until pre/pros shows up however.

I got back into audio about a year ago, and with the help from many great people here, especially ‘gd’, I bought my first upgrade, a Rotel RSP-1066 on Agon for $700. Big bucks for a guy like me.
I made lots of emails, made sure I got photos that showed a home environment, ( not to say they could not be phony) and had two phone conversations with the seller. From the time I made the PayPaly x-action till the unit arrived, I was sweating bullets.

I have since made more purchases on Agon, but not for more $ than that. Regardless, all have worked out fine. As was mentioned in a previous post, Agon for the most part, is made up of people like us. Honest audio hobbyists. Let’s hope the scam artists stay at eBay and leave us alone.
Good luck, I hope everything works out. I will wager it does; keep us posted!

[Brandon B]

Correct me if I am wrong - but don't you typically have 6 months to dispute a charge on your credit card?

Well, either way. If that isnt the case - then I would just dispute the charge with Amex and not wait for Paypal. Amex is very good at protecting its customers!

Never do a bank transfer, especially for that amount!

No, typically it's 90 days. And Paypal's policy states that activating your credit cards protection by putting it in dispute prior to them finishing the investigating period (which is more than 90 days I think) may result in them locking your account.

In other words, Paypal will punish you for using your CC protection option. That's the problem I have, they are basically attempting to force you to deal on their terms, and relinquish the control you have over the situation.

Fine if you only do the odd transaction, but problematic for people who deal with Paypal a lot, i.e. people doing a lot on eBay.

BB

[Club1820]

No, typically it's 90 days. And Paypal's policy states that activating your credit cards protection by putting it in dispute prior to them finishing the investigating period (which is more than 90 days I think) may result in them locking your account.

In other words, Paypal will punish you for using your CC protection option. That's the problem I have, they are basically attempting to force you to deal on their terms, and relinquish the control you have over the situation.

Fine if you only do the odd transaction, but problematic for people who deal with Paypal a lot, i.e. people doing a lot on eBay.

BB

Then screw 'em. pardon my french. But for a transaction of $4000, then I'll forego my paypal membership and take my chances with my credit card protection. Especially for that amount!

[mrohde]

Just to close out this thread. the Krell HTS arrived today in great shape. It powers up put I have not had a chnce to do a further evaluation. Although, I think everything will be fine.

Thanks, for everyones input.

[David Meek]

Good luck with the Krell! That's a nice piece of kit. :T

[Azeke]

Audiogon is pretty good with it's reputation from what I've heard. Enjoy your Krell equipment and please keep us updated.

Peace and blessings,

Azeke