Safest way to pay for an item on GB?

[Ash_J_Williams]

I have been discussing an item with a seller and finally decided on a price, purchased it at the BIN. It's an older item, and I'm worried it might have issues, though he promises it doesn't. I've heard some horror stories about GB not ever siding with the buyer when sellers are dishonest, and I know PayPal will not do firearm sales, which is disappointing, as they're usually my failsafe when dealing with online purchases. So, if this is a concern, what's the safest way to make payment to protect myself in case of issues with the item?

GunBroker locked my thread about this same question... That really makes me feel safe.

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

I usually use a money order but that doesn't offer any protection AFAIK. If it's a high dollar item you could use an escrow, i've done that on vehicles purchased online. It gives you an inspection period and the option to accept it or refuse it. Other than that I'd check the seller's feedback and see the opinions of the transactions with other buyers.
Unfortunately without a reliable and universally accepted PayPal equivalent that's gun friendly it's kinda on the honor system.

 

[beatledog7]

I'm 3 for 3 smooth transactions on GB. Have used MO or cashier's check every time.

 

[tazbigdog]

I've used USPS MO and felt safe with them or even a credit card.

 

[Ash_J_Williams]

I've used USPS MO and felt safe with them or even a credit card.

I guess a credit card might be best if he can process it.

 

[Bubbles]

Have you looked at the seller's feedback yet? If it's A+ I wouldn't worry.

Private seller or FFL? Does he accept CC's?

 

[oneounceload]

CC's are usually good for another 3%+ added to the cost - factor that in IF he can/will even do it that way

If you have that much doubt, then don't do it

Personally, I have never had an issue using a MO, or getting what I bought as described

 

[Ash_J_Williams]

Have you looked at the seller's feedback yet? If it's A+ I wouldn't worry.

Private seller or FFL? Does he accept CC's?

He's A+, all of the previous sales are A+ except one F- from someone who apparently wanted him to use PayPal. No mention of CC, says "see description" and there's no explanation.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=255910016

If it works out, you'll probably see it in a week or two, Bubbles.

 

[c1ogden]

I've done over a hundred transactions on Gunbroker and I've only had one problem. The guy never sent the payment and then lied, saying he never received the item which I had shipped the same day he said he had mailed the payment.

 

[Ignition Override]

Ash J:
Do you have access to a local gun show or shop, which might have the same type of gun at a similar price?

 

[Dean1818]

I have always had a great experience on GB.... I have done 8 transactions

I just deal with the folks that have great ratings and have done many transactions.

A one time guy? NOPE

 

[AlexanderA]

You usually don't have a choice as to how to pay. If you want the item, you have to abide by the seller's terms.

I've bought quite a few items on GB, using cashier's checks. So far, I haven't had any bad experiences. Make sure to check the seller's feedback rating before bidding.

 

[jmstevens2]

I guess a credit card might be best if he can process it.

If you don't trust him with a transaction, why would you trust him with your credit card number?

 

[EddieNFL]

For items over a few hundred I use a CC. I'm willing to pay the mark up for the piece of mind. Had to contact my CC company once. Guy sent the wrong item and refused to have it picked up. When my CC company reversed the charges he sent a call tag.

 

[Bubbles]

Payment methods from the auction: Money Order / Certified Check, Personal Check, COD

Of the 3, I would send a money order.

 

[mgmorden]

CC's are usually good for another 3%+ added to the cost

The 3% usually isn't too bad. Most of my guns I purchase online are in the $300-400 range. So we're talking $9-12 max. Factor in the price of a money order and stamp and that itself is about $2. I'm willing to pay the extra few $$$ for the protection and speedy shipment.

If you don't trust him with a transaction, why would you trust him with your credit card number?

Because a credit card has built in protection. If he doesn't follow through with the transaction then you reverse the charge and get your money back. If he does anything he's not supposed to with the number itself, then you file the card stolen. In that event by law you're only liable for a $50 max on the fraudulent charges, but all the major banks will do $0 liability.

Credit cards are pretty much the safest way to pay for things online.

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

except one F- from someone who apparently wanted him to use PayPal.

I wouldn't worry about that one. PayPal is very anti-gun and if they find out it's for a firearm or related supplies they are known for not only not honoring their "insurance" they usually have but even freezing seller's accounts not letting them get their money out.

 

[medalguy]

Here's my two cents worth. The seller looks good to me, 32 transactions and all but one are A+ rated. The one bad rating appears to be from a dispute with a buyer over using a non-approved payment method. Incidentally, this same buyer has two nicks in his own rating- one from your seller, and one from another seller who indicates the buyer backed out of another transaction.

I wouldn't be concerned about your seller. He looks pretty good to me.

 

[Walkalong]

USPS MO. They will go after people for you. It is slow, but they will go to bat for you.

 

[War Eagle]

I use a certified check, from my bank. I've also used Paypal...about a million times.

 

[dogtown tom]

No method of payment, whether its a certified check or money order from USPS or WalMart is cmpletely "safe" foolproof. If the seller is a crook, he'll have your $$$ and you'll never get a gun.

Contrary to popular belief, a USPS money order does not carry ANY special significance or protection over any other method of payment for the buyer. Whatever you choose to use as payment (personal check, money order, certified check, cash or bubble gum wrappers) if sent through the mail, becomes mail fraud if the seller does not uphold his end of the deal.

 

[Ash_J_Williams]

If you don't trust him with a transaction, why would you trust him with your credit card number?

Have you ever had someone try to steal your credit card number, or even make a charge you disagreed with? They're incredibly aggressive when it comes to protection.

 

[lathedog]

My biggest problems on GB:

1. Only about half the folks I do biz with will leave any feedback for me. All good buy my numbers should be twice what they are.

2. When selling, I sometimes get lots of weird questions from tire kickers. They seldom ever bid anyway, but enough will sometimes bid to make it worth my while to answer all. Some folks think that my posting an item for sale creates a legally and morally binding contract for me to answer all kinds of redonkulous questions. One guy asked me to call, and like a fool I did, and the guy was just about stupid.

 

[EddieNFL]

My biggest problems on GB:

1. Only about half the folks I do biz with will leave any feedback for me. All good buy my numbers should be twice what they are.

2. When selling, I sometimes get lots of weird questions from tire kickers. They seldom ever bid anyway, but enough will sometimes bid to make it worth my while to answer all. Some folks think that my posting an item for sale creates a legally and morally binding contract for me to answer all kinds of redonkulous questions. One guy asked me to call, and like a fool I did, and the guy was just about stupid.

LOL. I had a guy make a lowball offer and got pissed because I didn't respond and give him a chance to buy at asking price.

Some people.

 

[1KPerDay]

Yeah, my feedback should be about double what it is. I've had no problems on GB though. I've only bought stuff, haven't sold anything yet.

Generally for firearms I send a US Postal money order with delivery confirmation. So I know the seller gets it. Just for my peace of mind.