TheSamba.com :: View topic - Tips for Internet Buying and Selling including Paypal

Wed Jan 28, 2004 9:29 am

Official tips from the US government:
http://www.ifccfbi.gov/strategy/fraudtips.asp

Example of how to use Paypal outside eBay:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=273898

Here are some additional tips that may help you to have trouble-free Internet transactions.

Buying:
1. When inquiring about an item, let the seller know the exact item you are interested in.
2. Always send your location to the seller, such as zip code or country, in order for the seller to calculate the shipping charges up front.
3. If the buyer only accepts money orders or a specific type of payment, do not send any other form of payment.
4. If you are paying via mail, let the seller know when you are sending payment. If there is a delay, let them know.
5. Include a note with your full address and what you ordered with your payment. Don't rely on the address printed on the envelope, money order, or check. Print clearly!
6. After you receive the item, let the seller know the item arrived.

Questions to ask yourself:
1. Does the seller give a complete description of the item, either in the ad or via email contact?
2. Does the seller respond in a timely manner?
3. Is the seller willing to answer all questions and/or provide additional photos?
4. Does the seller provide a clear description of possible payment methods and shipping charges?
5. Does the seller seem honest? Does the transaction feel safe?
6. If you are purchasing something expensive:
Does the seller have any references or positive feedback?
Do you have the seller's full contact information, including address and phone #?

Overall, as a buyer, don't be afraid to walk away from the deal because something doesn't sound or feel right. If possible, let the seller know why.

Selling:
1. Give a clear & honest description.
2. Provide detailed photos, highlighting any damage or issues.
3. List the types of payment you will accept.
4. List any other charges that may be required with the item - shipping, packing, etc. Example: "Buyer to pay shipping". Most people don't like handling charges or paying your Paypal fees so consider including these charges in the overall price of your item.
5. Respond to any questions or requests in a timely manner or give the prospective buyer a time line, e.g. "I can answer your questions this weekend" or "I will get you those photos tomorrow, it is dark now". Respond to all inquires, even if it is to say "It is sold."
6. Set a price for your item. People hate "Make offer".
7. Treat any prospective buyer as an actual buyer until they prove otherwise. Exception: Scam Emails
8. When payment has been received, inform the buyer of such and provide a ship date and tracking number, if applicable.

eBay tricks:
Ever want to see ALL the NEGATIVES from some eBay seller (or buyer) without having to wade through pages and pages of eBay feedback lists?
Check this out: http://www.toolhaus.org

Other information:
Discussion of what NOS means

Feedback welcome.
I will update this list.
Stay on topic in this thread.

Wed Jan 28, 2004 9:48 am

I get alot of E-mails from buyers that just say "I'll take it"

Buyers need to describe the part they are interested in...

Alot of people on here have a ton of ads for various parts.

Sometimes responces are made very quickly, with no attention to coming across as sounding even semi-intelligent....

This gives the "feeling" from corespondence that makes me wonder if this is a 12 year old Dreamer, wasting my time...

I don't usally respond to these types of E-Mails...

I always specify that "I accept U.S. Postal Money orders ONLY Please"

People still send other forms of payment... -and it pisses me off usually...

They need to understand that this form of payment is for their protection / and mine.

Not following thru on the specified form of payment can result in a huge delay...

People need to send the name of the town they live in / nearest town along with their Zip Code, when they request a shipping Quote...

The UPS.com / US Postal Service web site requires this specific info.

The other irritation is the "tire kicker"... Don't respond to an add unless you are honestly interested... Don't waste peoples time...

This is the 1st step to being a good buyer.

- Joe

Wed Feb 11, 2004 12:02 am

Is it possible to have seller rating or buyer/seller feedback database like Ebay? I found that the Ebay system work well, any opinion?

Wed Feb 11, 2004 11:39 am

torboon wrote: Is it possible to have seller rating or buyer/seller feedback database like Ebay? I found that the Ebay system work well, any opinion?
The problem is there is no trackable "transaction" between 2 people like eBay has. I remember when eBay just let you leave feedback about anyone, that exploded real quick with people harassing each other and leaving fake feedback. That is what would happen here.

You can leave feedback for someone in the Buyer/Seller Feedback Forum but it's still an "open" sort of feedback.

Sun Feb 15, 2004 12:03 pm

I have found as a seller that honesty is the best policy. I describe my parts carfully and take a lot of pictures. I don't want anyone I sell to to be surprised in an unpleasant way when they receive their package. I want them to feel like they have just received a really cool Christmas present or a really cool part from a big vendor. And with that in mind I clean everything and pack it carefully. If a part won't come clean, or isn't completely ready to be bolted on to the car, I let them know before I send it. And if I end up needing more time, or running late on sending something out, I just come out with it and apologize with an honest explanation such as "I know you expected me to mail your part today, but the post office was running about an hour behind and I couldn't be gone from work that long." It is tough to argue with truthful, honest communication. Most people don't care, they just want to know what to expect.

Wed Nov 03, 2004 12:42 pm

Here in theSamba, if you do not fly straight you will know about it.

You can talk crap all you want, but you HAVE TO BACK IT UP.

If you take hundreds and thousands of US hard-earned dollars from people, you better deliver on your promise. You just have to be honest up front on what can be done and what can't be done. Let the customer decide and go from there. And if they still want to experiment, then that is fine too. But I will tell them exactly what I think of it.

I bought and sold engine parts and tools here on the samba, and so far I have only come across one that tried to rip me off.

Everyone else have been as honest as they come. People in general are essentially good and I believe that. You have to give people a chance too.

But then again, there are those who live to make others' lives miserable. There will always be those kind...BASTARDS!!

regards. NSR.

Tue Feb 15, 2005 4:30 pm

tip to sellers: when a buyer says "consider it sold" , this is not really a commitment to buy if interpreted literally, and every buyer who said this to me backed out, and there were quite a few. if a buyer says this, ask them to rephrase it as a commitment to buy. also ask buyers to contact you as soon as payment is sent . this will help you to avoid the teasers.

Sun Jun 26, 2005 2:30 pm

1) It is a small world and with the introducation of the Internet has now made it smaller...so don't screw and one as the word gets around very quickly.

2) When selling parts describe it the best way you can. I have talked (or should I say typed) my way out of a sale as the guy wanted perfect for a show car and I had part that was good but not perfect.

3) Think long-term and follow #1

4) Always donate to thesamba.com

These are the rules I try to follow.
Happy selling/buying.

Sat Dec 31, 2005 8:55 am

The Feedback feature... How do I leave it? The things I just bought were all bad and the ads deleted. Got link?

Thanks

Sat Dec 31, 2005 8:56 am

Just post in this forum with the persons userid and name.

Then give the details of the transaction.

Sat Dec 31, 2005 9:06 am

Please read this:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=71850

Fri Jul 13, 2007 7:28 pm

Just came across this forum as I'm interested in buying an early model Vdub after 15yrs or so out of the scene. Thanks for the useful information. I've bought/sold off of Ebay but I've been a little weary on purchasing a car that I would not be able to see in person. Thanks for easing my mind and answering some questions.

Thu Aug 30, 2007 11:22 pm

6. If you are purchasing something expensive:
Does the seller have any references or positive feedback?
Do you have the seller's full contact information, including address and phone #?

One way I have purchased expensive items online was by using an escrow service. I know ebay offers one but I'm sure google could direct you to others.

Its a good idea when dealing with someone for the first time or dealing with someone on a big ticket item that you get a written invoice/contract/work order/something that states what is being done or what you are purchasing, how much money that it will cost, how much of that cost is already paid, and if possible a turnaround time for completion of the order.

Its impossible to stress enough that you check peoples feedback on the samba, check their feedback on ebay, or do internet searches on the company name if you have not heard any information about dealing with them. A quick google search of a recently defunct parts provider got quite a few hits leading to negative information. As a consumer there is a WORLD of information out there on prospective sellers and buyers.