If they are within your own country - try and arrange to talk to them
on the phone and use your 'intuition' to judge the person - if you
think your intuition is fairly good that is. When I lived in Perth
(Oz) I did this when purchasing a 90mm f2 macro from a person in
Sydney. A very happy outcome resulted.
However, I have also done international transactions on faith and
trying to read between the lines of email messages and suss out a
vendors character. I have had nothing but good experiences.
I usually ask the vendor about appearance, mechanical function,
optical function and condition of lens surfaces, MC or
otherwise, visible oil on aperture blades, cases, caps and anything
else I can think of.
I have never asked about an inspection period, partly because of
international freight charges and import duty not being refundable,
but mostly because I figure that if a vendor has been untruthful in
describing the condition - the honouring of an inspection agreement
is probably moot.
I have never used a personal cheque as vendors usually prefer more
secure forms of payment so post-dating has not been an option.
I have even had good experiences sending small amounts of cash in the
mail - with a slip of black paper in the envelope to render it
opaque. I figured the prohibition against sending cash in the mail
is so widespread and ingrained that very few people would expect
anyone to be so silly as to actually do it ;-)
Giles
> Hi All.
> I have never bought or sold on the Internet. But, there are some interesting
> items offered from individuals. I guess I am a little bit too cautious. I
> have no problem with those who take credit cards, but a check is a concern.
> QUESTION ? What is the best method to handle a transaction with individuals?
> Inspection period? Post date a check? etc.???
> BW
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