Hey fellas,

I am in the process of purchasing a near new STILLEN cat-back exhaust from a out of state seller for my 08 sedan. He is not a member on g35driver but is part of the g37 forum. He only has few posts with no itrader rating which kind of concerns me but not enough to keep me away from purchasing b/c of the low price. However, he does not want to use paypal and wants a certified check as a form of payment. He showed me pictures of the exhaust and I've spoken to him personally on the phone to speak to the guy. He insured me that he will carefully package the exhaust to make sure it is not damaged during shipment. He asked me, once the payment clears, he will ship it via UPS ground for about $90.

I just want to get some advice from people who have done out of state transactions to find out what is the best way to protect myself from any possible fraud? I am just a little concerned b/c I will be required to issue a payment (certified check) before the item ships to me.

Any advice is appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

Happy New Year BTW!

 

I know you wanted advice on how to do it, but mine is - don't do it. Certified check before the exhaust even ships, and this guy is relatively unknown on both forums? Unless you know someone in his town who can go pick it up for you, you're putting yourself in the perfect position to get taken.

 

I would agree with the last statement.
Unless its a business, I wouldn't deal with anyone unless I can personally go pick up the item, NO MATTER HOW GOOD A DEAL!

 

How about if I get a copy of his DL & Registration or any other form of ID?
So far I have his email, cel#, and his myg37 ID.

Damn, but this deal is so good...........

 

His DL wouldn't do anything if it turns out to be a fraud. Your best bet would be to ask him to fax/email a written contract with his signature and a copy of his DL attached. Additionally, depending if this is being shipped interstate, a written contract wouldn't do anything either. Unfortunately, State police would not be able to help, and the FBI will not investigate unless the claim exceeds $9,500. Please correct if I'm wrong.

 

I'd pay via paypal using your credit card. Then if you get no product or product not as advertised you can reverse the charge with your credit card company.

 

I think in this day and age, not accepting paypal raises a red flag. I personally would not do it. One bad deal can erase a lifetime of savings from good deals.

 

I agree with everyone above. Paypal or nothing, and offer to pay the 3% fee. If he still won't budge, shop elsewhere.

 

No paypal is a redflag!!!

Don't buy it without paypal as other mentioned it. Paypal is easy and safe to pay and get your money back if something goes wrong. Certified check is the #1 use of scambags. Just think why. Also remeber if the deal is to good to be true probably it is.
I am not saying he is ripping you off but the chance is there.

Good luck.

 

Maybe you can ask him if he would consider the pay at the door. Do you guys have that in the state? You can send somebody the item and he pays at the door to the mail man and next day you can pick up youtr money at the post office. If he is legit he would go for it. If he says no you know he is just after your money.

 

^ ^
That's COD. Should be able to do that if he's legit.

 

Just emailed the guy again to see if he's willing to do COD or paypal instead of certified check. Will let you guys know what he says..

Thanks for the advice & the help guys.

 

Let see if he go for any of them. If not than you know why.

 

Emailed him around 4 or 5 pm tonight.. still no reply so far
Maybe this is a busted deal unless he gets back to me tomorrow. *sigh*

I was so excited about the deal.
ALKFJLDKJ!!!!!!!!!!

I guess I'll save up a lil more for the Invidia!!!

 

I'd rather have the Invidia anyway!