U.S. Postal money order only? How do you feel about it?

Posts

3,979

Likes

8,988

cvalue13

·Oct 15, 2013

All,

The holder of a watch I'm interested in buying doesn't accept credit cards or PayPal, and is requesting U.S. postal money orders be delivered to him before shipping the watch to me.

Any concerns in your view?

 

Posts

13,437

Likes

31,601

X350 XJR

·Oct 15, 2013·Vintage Omega Aficionado

It all depends on how comfortable with the seller.

 

Posts

15,048

Likes

24,021

cicindela

·Oct 15, 2013·Steve @ ΩF

Not if I don't have experience with or know the seller, etc.

 

D

Posts

0

Likes

7,038

Dablitzer

·Oct 15, 2013

+1 I would want to have a chat on the phone first. You can tell much more from someones voice, rather than just messages etc. But could be worth the risk if it's something you really want. If you have spoken to him, then trust your instinct.

 

Posts

3,070

Likes

3,530

Stewart H

·Oct 15, 2013

I guess that is the "Catch 22" with a private seller. Is there anybody on here that lives locally to the seller that you could send the money to as a Paypal gift, who could then complete the transaction for you face to face?

 

Posts

13,437

Likes

31,601

X350 XJR

·Oct 15, 2013·Vintage Omega Aficionado

Back in the old days of pre PayPal eBay I conducted many, many (hundreds) of sales by money order and cashiers check with no issues, there was the theoretical backup of eBay if something did go wrong, but I never had an issue.

Ask for references, speak to them person to person on the phone as suggested by Dab.

What's their issue with PayPal, fees?

There is also the possibility of using an escrow service if its more money than you can afford to lose if something goes wrong.

 

Posts

7,723

Likes

26,825

Tony C.

·Oct 15, 2013·Ωf Jury member

I would be very careful. PMOs are notoriously used by scammers.

 

Posts

12,687

Likes

17,143

gatorcpa

·Oct 15, 2013·ΩF InvestiGator

X350 XJR

Back in the old days of pre PayPal eBay I conducted many, many (hundreds) of sales by money order and cashiers check with no issues, there was the theoretical backup of eBay if something did go wrong, but I never had an issue.

Tony C.

I would be very careful. PMOs are notoriously used by scammers.

+1 on both of the above. I also did a lot of purchasing in the old days with USPS Money Orders. Usually small amount items. Anything >$100 had to be PayPal or credit card or I just wouldn't do the deal.

If it's an issue with PayPal fees, offer to pay them. An extra 3% is money well spent for PayPal's (and your credit card's) protection.

Been there, done that.
gatorcpa

 

Posts

7,225

Likes

24,418

Hijak

·Oct 15, 2013

Where is the item located?

 

Posts

6,713

Likes

18,566

LouS

·Oct 15, 2013·Mrs Nataf's Other Son

USPS Money Orders are (to the buyer) like sending cash - once it is out of your hands, it is gone for good. You have no recourse at all if something goes amiss.

 

Posts

2,399

Likes

4,473

Gavin

·Oct 15, 2013

Agree with those who had posted. However as someone who resides outside of the US and Europe, I have myself on a few occasions wired money to sellers in both continents. All except one are dealers and although they have physical shopfronts, it is still not without risks. The lone private seller whom I wired funds to was a reputable forum owner and I was very comfortable in that instance, even more comfortable than with the dealers. So end of the day, I guess it all comes down to trust.

 

Posts

5,206

Likes

4,734

DLT222

·Oct 19, 2013·Double D @ ΩF

Having a business here in the USA, we are regularly asked the same question, and its always on the expensive stuff never the $14.99 items. We avoid these like the plague! PayPal all the way as its covers 'us' the rest is not worth the hassle, stress and the feeling of being ripped off!

If it was me, leave well alone!