[capncalyx]

ok so this is a first for me so im wondering how to do it. this guy in NY has some parts id like to buy used from his wrecked bike he's parting out. i live in IN. so how do i keep from getting ripped off? im sure i could trust someone from this forum to send me my goods but idk this guy even though he's probably cool. how do i do this? money order?? thx.

 

[B-Bob]

I don't think a money order will protect you. Unless you can use a credit card, or go through something like eBay or PayPal (maybe?), you pays your money and you takes your chances.

Giving out your CC information is not a smart thing to do, unless your CC company offers virtual account numbers that can be used only once (like Citicard). Virtual account numbers are always a good thing to use when ordering stuff online or over the phone, particularly from companies or people about whom you know little.

Good luck.

 

[capncalyx]

yea i just dont see it happening i mean i do it with legit companies but this guy is a private seller who is parting a bike out.

 

[B-Bob]

Most people are honest. For example, I've never been stiffed on an eBay transaction. It's the small fraction you have to protect yourself from.

 

[techy]

Use a US Postal MO. You'll have name, address, and record of cashing it. Do not send to PO Box!!!!!! If you get no product in two weeks and excuses, call cops in his area.
Been through it.

 

[BikerBeagle]

Get a paypal account if you do any eBay buying/selling. This guy may or may not accept it ...in which case you are basically stuck with writing a check/money order and take your chances.

Paypal lets you use a credit card or, they prefer, to draw directly from your bank account (ironically to avoid their having to pay credit card transaction fees) for purchases - a boon for people who don't have credit cards. Paypal accounts are free and even the personal account can accept 5 incoming credit card transactions a year (at a hefty 4.5% transaction fee, though). That is how I sold my Mustang seat to a forum member a few months ago. I, of course, ate the fee because I didn't want to pass that along to the buyer, but it was a total of $15 ...big woo ...

The biggest selling point to Paypal is the way a transaction is handled. Unlike 'pull' technology - used by credit cards - where anyone with the right account information is able to tell Paypal, "Hey, this guy owes me this money, give it to me" ...Paypal uses 'push' technology where you say, "Hey, I owe this guy money, give it to him".

It sounds dangerous, (it IS dangerous) but I've had a paypal account for ...well, just about as long as they've been offering them ...and I've NEVER had any problem with them. You just have to be careful and don't fall for any of the email scams targeting paypal ...which is basically pretty easy if you simply understand that PAYPAL WILL NEVER SEND YOU AN EMAIL. I have never ever ever had a legitimate email from paypal ...ever. If they need something from you (like signing their yearly privacy agreement), they will just wait until you legitimately log in again and give you an information screen.

Yeah, ok ...sure ...I'm pretty much screwed if Paypal is ever compromised and their account data is stolen, but it's still better than transmitting my actual CC information to every tom, **** and harry all over the GoreNet.

 

[capncalyx]

yea this guy said he'd take paypal so im seriously thinking of doing that. thx!

 

[fljohnboy]

C.O.D. Cash on delivery.

 

[antiq]

No experience here but the postal mo and pay pal suggestions sound best to me. Most people want honest transactions but there are always ahholes to deal with. We all hope to skip those.
Wish you the best outcome in all your transactions.

 

[plasma blue]

I was going to suggest PayPal or Postal MO also.

Buy one cheap part first to see if he's OK then get more later.