how to buy/sell?

[colormaniac]

Hi, I'm new here. I read the announcements in the buy and sell forums. However, I still don't get it. If someone offers to sell a lens and I pay him/her, what protection do I have in case he/she does not send the lens to me? In eBay, there is the PayPal full refund protection. Is there anything like this here? Or people just go by trust here?

Would it be better for the seller to list the item on eBay and then tell people here that they can bid/buy it there?

I hope this question does not bore or offend anyone, which is not my intention. :)

[snyderman]

Leap of faith, for sure. I can honestly say as a relative noob on this forum, I have purchased several items that were delivered quickly from POTN members and exactly as advertised. I've sold a few items here as well.

Most folk here will post pictures of FS items, provide a phone number if you'd like to contact them--pretty much whatever you ask for.

POTN is loaded with stand-up people, IMO. But as always, buyer beware. It's tough to plunk down the kind of money some of this gear costs without thinking twice or more. Again, get as much info necessary to transact a buy or sell situation you're comfortable enough to make.

dave

[colormaniac]

Thanks for replying!

What about "reference"? Some buyers ask for reference. What does that mean?

[cdifoto]

Pay by an electronic method on line and use cash/checks/money orders in person only.

Reference = someone who can vouch for you. You put them on job applications and such. They're useless online since everyone's anonymous.

[colormaniac]

Thanks for your reply!

According to the two replies, am I right to say that there is no protection at all here and people just have to trust each other when the amount of transaction could be as high as US$1000?

That doesn't sound secure, at least to me. Maybe it's because I grew up in a different culture, where people are used to putting less trust in buying things.

[cdifoto]

You obviously didn't read what I typed.

[krb]

Thanks for your reply!

According to the two replies, am I right to say that there is no protection at all here and people just have to trust each other when the amount of transaction could be as high as US$1000?

That doesn't sound secure, at least to me. Maybe it's because I grew up in a different culture, where people are used to putting less trust in buying things.
1. As was already stated, you can use an electronic payment service. Using PayPal to buy something from here offers the same protection as using PayPal to buy something from EBay.

2. As high as US$1000? You must be new to photography... ;)

[colormaniac]

1. As was already stated, you can use an electronic payment service. Using PayPal to buy something from here offers the same protection as using PayPal to buy something from EBay.

2. As high as US$1000? You must be new to photography... ;)

1. Oh, really? I didn't know that. Are you sure? That would be great.
2. Though I'm new, I know it could be more, but that's about what I can afford. :)

[Jon]

As the Rules say, how you arrange a transaction is strictly between buyer and seller. It's up to you to find a person and transaction mode that you're mutually comfortable with. POTN merely provides a place for people to post their ads. Everything else is up to you and we assume no responsibility, unlike eBay, which exists soley to handle sales and auctions.

[colormaniac]

As the Rules say, how you arrange a transaction is strictly between buyer and seller. It's up to you to find a person and transaction mode that you're mutually comfortable with. POTN merely provides a place for people to post their ads. Everything else is up to you and we assume no responsibility, unlike eBay, which exists soley to handle sales and auctions.

So, my questions become how members here usually do the transactions? Are they simply trusting each other? Anyone interested in sharing your experience and ideas?

[monkeymike]

So, my questions become how members here usually do the transactions? Are they simply trusting each other? Anyone interested in sharing your experience and ideas?
for a long distance transaction, you basically have to trust that the other party is not going to scam you.
for a local transaction, arrange to meet in person, in a public place (i.e. coffee shop, etc), test the gear they are selling, buy it in person if you like it.

~mike

[javanutsy]

At least on here and FM, you can see the seller's posting history, how long they've been a member, etc. Yes, there's still some faith involved, but I find it more comforting to be buying from here and FM than on Ebay...

[colormaniac]

At least on here and FM, you can see the seller's posting history, how long they've been a member, etc. Yes, there's still some faith involved, but I find it more comforting to be buying from here and FM than on Ebay...

Thanks!

I didn't notice the thread about positive feedbacks. (But it's too long to check information.)

[alt4852]

Thanks!

I didn't notice the thread about positive feedbacks. (But it's too long to check information.)

within the thread, search for the person's name whom you wish to do business with.

[colormaniac]

within the thread, search for the person's name whom you wish to do business with.
Oh, yes, thank you!