I won an auction for a S&W 1006...how safe is Money Order??

[saturno_v]

I just won an auction for a S&W 1006 with Hogue Grips, Novak sights, box, user manual and 3 magazines.

The seller has 0 negative feedback and a total of 713 positive feedback.

I'm going to pay with USPS Money Order (with his name on it)

How can I be absolutely safe that the seller is going to deliver the goods??

I mean the seller seems very solid but you never know in this world...


So far I only bought items on ebay and paid either with Paypal of Credit Card so there is some fraud protection.

In this way I'm basically sending cash completely trusting the seller.

Any suggestions???

Thanks

Regards

 

[oasis618]

Which site is was this auction on? Unfortunately most firearm transactions are going to require some trust on the part of both parties and require a form of payment that isn't necessarily very "safe". Ask to speak to him on the phone, at least you'll have a name and phone number that way. It's not much but it's better than nothing. Enjoy your new pistol!

 

[TIMC]

No security with MO, if he wants to shaft you there is no much you can do bout it.

 

[saturno_v]

The site was www.auctionarms.com

 

[KurtC]

Use a US Postal Money order, and put the serial number of the gun on it in the memo section. Then send it certified mail (signature required).

If the seller tries to screw you in any way, you can file charges with the US Postal Inspectors. They don't take highly to mail fraud, and are just looking to nail somebody.

 

[oasis618]

^^^^ Good advice.

 

[Cosmoline]

The postal inspectors are very likely to tell you failed delivery is a civil matter. Lay people have a strange idea about the role of law enforcement. They aren't there to enforce your sales contract.

Deal with a seller you know or one who has a well-established rating. This is an easy matter on gunbroker. Not sure about Auction Arms. In any case there are inherent risks in these kinds of transactions. The risk that the other guy will take the money and fail to deliver the goods is one.

 

[Otto]

Any suggestions???

Incur the 3% fee and use a credit card. You're just rolling the dice using a MO, personal check or debit card.
Also, make sure there is a three day inspection period.

 

[GunNut]

The seller has 0 negative feedback and a total of 713 positive feedback.

If you don't trust a seller like that, you have no business bidding on guns.

I've probably bought over 100 guns from various seller on many gun boards with not one issue. Ask questions, get all of the sellers contact info and you'll be most of the way to being secure. I've asked for address and phone number from sellers, if they won't give them to me i don't do business with them.

Life's full of risks if the worst thing that ever happens to me is some idiot steals money from me i'm doing pretty good.

 

[Oro]

If you don't trust a seller like that, you have no business bidding on guns.

Exactly! He speaks with sense. I've done perhaps 70 gun transactions online over five or more years with never a hiccup. With someone with feedback like that, pay however you want.

For other situations, the trick is to just pick up the *&^n phone and call. A few simple words exchanged between solid citizens resolves so much hassle and anxiety. Then things usually go as smooth as ice...

 

[saturno_v]

I hope I did good on the pistol...the seller listed it as in "excellent" conditions....however he says that it appears to be a LE trade, there is a BPD number engraved on the frame (Boston Police Department??)..that got me a little bit worried...lots of use??

I like all the goodies, the novak sights, the 3 mags, the original plastic box and the papers.

I think I will change the S&W Hogue rubber grips with the original hard plastic ones...

In the listing there were a lot of very close up pictures....I cannot see any scratches or wear signs...muzzle appear to be like new, very sharp rifling.

Final price was $501

However I got the phone number of the guy.

I will let you know how it goes...

 

[Oro]

the seller listed it as in "excellent" conditions

Well here's another few truths about buying on-line:

1) Most all private sellers (95% of the time) under-state the condition of the gun.
2) 1/2 of all dealer sellers understate the condition of the gun.
3) 49.5% of all dealer sellers accurately state the condition of the gun.

So, the vast odds are you will get the gun in the condition stated or better. And those extras sound good. LE guns are actually usually little-used. Cops are over-worked and usually only use the guns when they have to qualify. And with some departments that's not very often.

As to "BPD" - well, it is probably a police department in the state the dealer is in, that's all that can be said. If they happen to be in Mass, there's also Brockton, Braintree, Belmont, Brockton, Bellerica, Burlington, Boylston, and heck, those are just the ones I can think of from off the top of my head right now, based on when I lived there 25 years ago!

Ya' prolly done good! A 1066 is a sweet piece.

 

[berettashotgun]

Never had a single problem with a USPS MO.
Across State lines is a Felony. I believe it is called "MAIL FRAUD" don't worry.
How many bad feedback???????
That guy is a person with integrity.

 

[nwilliams]

You always take a chance with a money order.

However if the seller has all positive feed backs from other people that have bought from him then it's a good chance he's reliable.

 

[Bill B.]

I won an auction for a S&W 1006...how safe is Money Order??

As safe as the seller! Sounds like you got a good one.

 

[Al LaVodka]

How about COD? You need to pay UPS when it arrives, but at least something weighed arrives. There is a $10 fee I think that you should be prepared to pay or split at best...
Al

 

[Gunfighter123]

I also ONLY use/accept US Postal money orders for online firearm deals.

The seller has 0 negative feedback and a total of 713 positive feedback.

EDIT ---- I would feel very safe BUT ---- I always try to get a "real " phone number instead of a cell phone number.