Advice needed

[glojo]

I have seen an article on E-bay that I would love to buy for my wife, but I am a little apprehensive about bidding for it. Is there anyway of checking out the seller?

This is the link and I do not want to be rude to the seller just in case the auction is legitimate

E-bay link

Thanks for any advice,
John

 

[mickl]

for these sort of things ask for more pictures and if collection in person is ok.

you could also ask for his number so you can speak to him and ask questions directly.

no to any of this would make me run away.

 

[GrahamC230K]

John, ask him in your usual diplomatic fashion. Explain you see he is new to eBay and so you would like to ease your mind that he is a reputable trader. If he is genuine, he will understand and be of assistance. If he takes offence or resists you know to give it a miss.

 

[pammy]

John - for an item such as this at such a price I'd be wary of a zero rated seller. It's a sad fact that they may be OK but they haven't proved themself in anyway . Says he got it from a friend who had to sell for financial reasons yet it's new and never been used. Seems to be a piece of kit doing the rounds transferring money without anyone wanting it. Does that sound right to you?

The fact it is so far away from you makes it difficult as I'd try and arrange to see it before bidding etc.

It's a shame that such a lovely thought has to be considered with such care - sad reality of the world we live in. It might well all go swimmingly and if you decide to go for it I truly hope it does.

hth

 

[stats007]

I agree with Pammy. That is a specialist bit of kit and you'd expect some real knowledge to go with it. I'm not saying it's stolen but you have to question the origin of some of the items on eBay.

As always, caveat emptor.

 

[glojo]

What excellent advice from everyone, thanks very much. Each reply has offered something very constructive. I'm going to try and be diplomatic with my questions, but Pammy has also hit the nail on the head in so far as this person states they live in Northern Scotland so viewing the item is a non starter.

I am going to start by asking for more photographs of the actual item, and then perhaps if the bidding does not go beyond my set limit I will attempt to speak to them on the telephone (not a mobile??) I am not very E-bay street wise but have learnt that most bidding is usually left to the last minute, so I will get all my questions answered before then.

Thanks you ALL very much for the much appreciated advice,
John

 

[pammy]

John - another thing that's just struck me with this is the method of payment - postal order or Banker's Draft - they leave you the buyer with absolutely no protection whatsoever.

Also he has given no indication to the postage method or costs which would be on top of what you pay for the item.

I'm afraid - I would walk away from this.

 

[GrahamC230K]

I agree with your earlier points Pammy, but I do not use paypal and always deal on eBay with cheques, cash or bank transfers - you cant judge everyone by them not using paypal.

 

[pammy]

I agree with your earlier points Pammy, but I do not use paypal and always deal on eBay with cheques, cash or bank transfers - you cant judge everyone by them not using paypal.

Agreed - but he doesn't even want a cheque and if I was having to put this through the post and then wait for the item in return I'd be looking for something that gave a bit more security that's all. Even a direct bank transfer gives you something to suggest they've had to verify certain information to open the bank account. In return you can then at least try and go via their bank if it all goes pear shaped. PO's and Banker's drafts give you the buyer nothing as they are as good as cash.

 

[GRAV888]

Just an idea, but do we have any members who are up that way who could act as a go-between for you?

 

[GrahamC230K]

The question is, is this because he is genuine and genuinly new to eBay or a complete shark! Oh if only everyone were honest.

 

[glojo]

I'm afraid - I would walk away from this.

I agree with your earlier points Pammy, but I do not use paypal and always deal on eBay with cheques, cash or bank transfers - you cant judge everyone by them not using paypal.

I understand totally what both you and Pammy are saying, plus I have noted Pam's reply. The bidding should go higher than what is shown at present and I am simply not prepared to post cash (or the equivalent) to someone who I have no knowledge of)

I am clearly going to need covincing of the sellers integrity which on the face of it is 'doubtful'

I try to listen to my gut feeling which has only let me down once (and boy did it let me down) and this feeling is telling me to proceed with very great caution.

Thanks again
John

 

[pammy]

Oh if only everyone were honest.

Indeed

But - at least there are forums such as this were we try to help each other out.

I was tempted to drop the guy a line to ask whereabouts in N Scotland he was so that "I" could arrange for someone to go and have a look at said item

 

[GRAV888]

I was tempted to drop the guy a line to ask whereabouts in N Scotland he was so that "I" could arrange for someone to go and have a look at said item

You read my mind P

 

[glojo]

I was tempted to drop the guy a line to ask whereabouts in N Scotland he was so that "I" could arrange for someone to go and have a look at said item

I'm a bit slow on the uptake Good thinking Pammy, that is another to add to the list.

John

 

[glojo]

Well my tact and diplomacy let me down this time???? (or did it) Perhaps the last paragraph was too OTT, but his reply has certainly helped in making a decision....

"""Hi Nigel,
I am fairly new to Ebay and am interested in bidding for the telescope but I am terrified of bidding for such an expensive item. Is it possible to see more pictures of the telescope and secondly how can I be assured of your integrity?

PLEASE understand that I am NOT being offensive, I am merely concerned.

Yours truly,
John
****

"""""you don't need to be so scared or paranoid...i'm not a f***g scammer who robe peoples...i'm a honest guy and we can have a great deal, you'll see, but not with this attitude
thx!"""""

I hope the censorship thingie alters the 'f' word, but I would expect someone to have a better grasp of the English\British language and at least be able to spell.

Oh well back to the drawing board,

Thanks everyone for the very constructive advice,
Regards,
John

 

[lotusmark2]

Well out off that one then John.
Best of luck with your plans
Mark

 

[GRAV888]

I agree with Mark.
Let someone else get scammed John.

 

[High-Lo]

Heres another thing to consider John

Heres the seller's registered ebay location (the top one)

I wonder if the item is with his 'friend' in North Scotland?

As mickl said only consider this if collection in person is possible and you can hand over the readies after you have seen the item. I would treat this pretty much like you was buying a car from ebay. Those terms are almost always cash on collection (maybe after the initial 5-10% PayPal deposit).

Also you will need to test the item in case it is faulty. See how the seller reacts if you ask to see the item before the auction ends. If this isn't possible then proceed with caution.

In case you haven't seen it heres a previous auction with a much more detailed description from a different seller. Apparently these are worth just under £5300

Hope this helps,
Steve

 

[High-Lo]

Well my tact and diplomacy let me down this time???? (or did it) Perhaps the last paragraph was too OTT, but his reply has certainly helped in making a decision....

"""Hi Nigel,
I am fairly new to Ebay and am interested in bidding for the telescope but I am terrified of bidding for such an expensive item. Is it possible to see more pictures of the telescope and secondly how can I be assured of your integrity?

PLEASE understand that I am NOT being offensive, I am merely concerned.

Yours truly,
John
****

"""""you don't need to be so scared or paranoid...i'm not a f***g scammer who robe peoples...i'm a honest guy and we can have a great deal, you'll see, but not with this attitude
thx!"""""

I hope the censorship thingie alters the 'f' word, but I would expect someone to have a better grasp of the English\British language and at least be able to spell.

Oh well back to the drawing board,

Thanks everyone for the very constructive advice,
Regards,
John

I'm glad you made your mind up John. I didn't have a good feeling about this one