Posted: 4/2/2005 6:36:25 AM EDT
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Been looking for an item that's just been released (new model of camera, high-end) just on the chance that it'd be on eBay. Well, found a few, but most of them are coming from sellers not in the U.S. (precluding having a valid U.S. warranty). Even then, pretty much all the prices don't deviate from what I'd pay for it at a retail outlet here in the U.S. However, did just see a great deal on one last night that was half the going rate if I bought it immediately. Being somewhat wary, I e-mailed the seller a question, both through eBay's Ask Seller a Question feature and on the e-mail address he gave. By the way, the seller has a great feedback rating. This morning, I received a reply from the seller. Basically, he told me that it's a non-U.S. model but would come with the international warranty (which the U.S. distributor and its service centers will not honor, I think, in order to prevent sale of less expensive gray market items here, as U.S. dealers often can't match pricing) and all items normally included in the box. I'd asked about using an escrow service, but he didn't answer that. Instead, he said that if I wanted to buy it immediately (though not through the Buy It Now feature on eBay), that he would want payment via Western Union money transfer. I'm not familiar with that, but he says it's fast and very secure. When I went back to eBay this morning to look at the auction again, it was no longer listed. While I would certainly love to pick up this awesome camera at an awesome price, I'm still a bit leery. Feedback anyone? 
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Lots of people use money transfers but.... ...once you transfer money, IT'S GONE. Unlike a credit card charge, you can't dispute it if, let's say, you never get the item or if it comes broken or different than described etc... I'd wait. Ask yourself: "What's my rush." Wait a few months and people will be selling any new item cheap. |
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Money transfers are the worst way to do business. Wiring money is meant to give someone you know some money, it's not for doing business. Even a money order can be traced and disputed. But when you wire money it is gone and usually untraceable by any normal means. |