How to make a safe private party purchase?

[Larry B.]

I am looking to purchase an item over $1000.00 from a private party from another state. I do not personally know this party and want to make a safe transaction. Is Paypal the only method to use and will Paypal refund me if I do not receive the item from the seller? Or is there a better/safer way to conduct the sale. It is too far for me to travel to the item location. Thanks

[Mark D.]

Re: How to make a safe private party purchase?

Good question. I have never been burned by anyone regarding old Corvette and Camaro parts. I've gotten parts that didn't meet the advertised description but, the sellers always made it right. I've spent hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years and have even sent large amounts of cash on FedEx and it has always turned out good.

God surely does look out for fools, like me.

[William C.]

Re: How to make a safe private party purchase?

Paypal does generally have a guarantee as part of it's process. It can be a hassle, but can be worked out if a problem such as non-shipment or GROSS misrepresentation arises. Best to look at a sellers feedback and stay away from anyone without a track record advertising a rare and well-priced item.

[Alan D.]

Re: How to make a safe private party purchase?

Use a credit card!

Paypal guarantees to Take your money and Give it to the other guy, only!
Also noticed Paypal seems to do some mining - attempting to get your bank account numbers ect (if its not them somebody has access to their system)

[Ridge K.]

Re: How to make a safe private party purchase?

As I've previously stated before, before retiring from the sideline hobby/business, ......I sold $250K worth of mainly original, restored, vintage auto parts on eBay.

Prior to Meg Whitman's retirement as CEO of eBay, 99.9% of my sales were paid for by either mailed check or money order.

I learned very early as a moderately prolific eBay parts seller that PayPal (a subsidiary wholly owned by eBay Inc.), looks out for PayPal's interest first, with buyers and sellers in very, very distant second and third place (in my opinion).
I think as stated above, trust must be a factor in transactions of the dollar amount you've mentioned.
I usally would get a telephone call before a buyer would send me a $1,000+ payment. One's ability, or inability to contact the seller via telephone CAN be a good clue.

One other option appropriately mentioned in this thread is the possibility of a credit card payment, although many smaller sellers won't take credit card payments. I didn't. The card company processing fees are too costly.
Clearly, there is a clear and present risk factor in sending cash, checks, or money orders. But having said that, in my opinion feeling safe by trusting PayPal would be a very foolish feeling.

Ridge

[Mark H.]

Re: How to make a safe private party purchase?

Hi Larry. I've purchased or sold a number of midyear parts over the years, often to buyers from quite a distance. For both buyer and seller, trust is the big thing. Here's how I handle that.

I request the buyer (if that is the case) send me half the money for the part I am selling. Once I cash that check and it clears, I send the part to him. Once he receives the part and it meets with his approval, he sends the remaining balance due. If the part does not meet with his approval, he returns it so me at his expense.

Such a scenario shares trust and risk equally and it has worked great for me.

[Stephen R.]

Re: How to make a safe private party purchase?

I've had very good experiences using Paypal. 99% go without a hitch, they have come through on the few that didn't. I like Paypal because I can buy an item and pay for it within in 30 seconds and have some protection. With a money order, I have to go out, buy it, pay a fee, address an envelope and then wait two weeks, and hope the seller sends the part. I won't buy any other way.

[Patrick H.]

Re: How to make a safe private party purchase?

I've purchased firearms of varied prices by sending a money order and then waiting for the item to arrive at my FFL's shop. I've never had a problem yet, and since Paypal won't allow money for firearm transfers there's no easier way to do it.

Odds are you'll do fine with the purchase.

Patrick

[Bob D.]

Re: How to make a safe private party purchase?

Be wary of PayPal. As previiously stated, they do not have your best interests at heart. If there is a problem with the purchase or shipment, PayPal has been know to leave the buyer hanging out there. It happened to me. Luckily I only lost $90.

[Patrick H.]

Re: How to make a safe private party purchase?

Be wary of PayPal. As previiously stated, they do not have your best interests at heart. If there is a problem with the purchase or shipment, PayPal has been know to leave the buyer hanging out there. It happened to me. Luckily I only lost $90.

That's why I always direct Paypal through my credit card.
I rarely do a direct pay from my bank account.

[Ronald L.]

Re: How to make a safe private party purchase?

Paypal is owned by fleebay. Take that for what its worth with their knowledge of your bank accounts etc.

If its a fleebay transaction I bet they are going to take car of the buyers - bad news would be real damaging to their business model. Like the other guys have stated, its a matter of trust in the hobby.

[Terry D.]

Re: How to make a safe private party purchase?

Larry
Just a thought, maybe if you told us where the parts are coming from someone could check them out or might even know the person.
Terry

[Dale C.]

Re: How to make a safe private party purchase?

You know, like Mark, I too have been extremely fortunate in dealing with corvette enthusiasts. Did have one problem, but I don't want to go there. It's done and I learned, as they say, a valuable lesson.
Dale

[Dan P.]

Re: How to make a safe private party purchase?

Been through the claims process with Pay Pal and the credit card people. Believe me you will have to call these people after you file the claim to stay on top of it . Get the name of every person you talk and the time .The safest way is to pay with Pay Pal using your credit card . That way you can file a claim both ways .If the seller uses words like AS IS or No GUARANTEE don't waste your time filling a claim. Pay Pal rule use to be if it is outside of EBAY you out . They Have changed there policy. They will give you no help on A vehicle or Motorcycle purchase .
This is important try to get the seller to Email you with a description . Using words like real nice or guaranteed . You can send it back. No cracks or welds . Numbers are correct and not tampered with. This will help you case.