Would you buy from a 0-post PHer?

[FreeLitres]

Quick question: Would you buy something in the PH classifieds from a guy that has never posted on here before but has been registered for 2 years?

He seems nice enough, knowledgeable of the item and is charging about £100 for an item that costs about £160 from the retailer. He has asked for payment by cheque or bank transfer, but not paypal. (Is that unusual?)

For whatever reason, he is also very slow at responding to emails (some 2 days later).

So, do I go for it and send my cheque, or run away?

[MotorsportTom]

FreeLitres said:

Quick question: Would you buy something in the PH classifieds from a guy that has never posted on here before buy has been registered for 2 years?

He seems nice enough, knowledgeable of the item and is charging about £100 for an item that costs about £160 from the retailer. He has asked for payment by cheque or bank transfer, but not paypal. (Is that unusual?)

For whatever reason, he is also very slow at responding to emails (some 2 days later).

So, do I go for it and send my cheque, or run away?

I know a lad on here who never posted, but browsed a huge deal and even went to lengths to update his profile continuously.
Not so long ago he sold his 205 on here so I'd say it's a unique thing that happens.

[LawrenceOfArabia]

Better than not being a PHer at all surely? Unless he signed up purely to scam people.

Edited by LawrenceOfArabia on Sunday 7th August 19:35

[Old Gregg]

I've bought and sold a few car parts by bank transfer, so that's not unusual. I'd also imagine there are lots of PH members who lurk the forums but don't post.

Obviously you can never be 100% sure and you need to trust your instinct, but I wouldn't let those factors alone put me off.

[FreeLitres]

What about the want to avoid Paypal? He said it is hassle for the seller.

Any truth in this?

(First time buyer from classifieds)

[stewjohnst]

I wouldn't worry about it, not uncommon, I lurked on here for years without ever being arsed enough to register, let alone post anything...

[spikeyhead]

FreeLitres said:

What about the want to avoid Paypal? He said it is hassle for the seller.

Any truth in this?

(First time buyer from classifieds)

Paypal is an arse for the seller.

[FreeLitres]

Sod it - I'll go for it.

He seems like a nice guy.

[badlands1]

FreeLitres said:

He seems like a nice guy.

That should of been enough.

[vescaegg]

spikeyhead said:

Paypal is an arse for the seller.

It certainly is and depending on how much the car is worth, can be bloody expensive too!

I was relieved of a £3-400 for using paypal to sell a car.

[FreeLitres]

vescaegg said:

It certainly is and depending on how much the car is worth...

Don't worry - it's not a car I am buying for £100!

[gowmonster]

what about cash on delivery/pickup.

[tonys]

I wouldn't base much credibilty on whether or not someone has posted on an internet forum. I would just take the advert/individual and do the usual checks to satisfy yourself whether or not they are genuine.

I suspect that there are loads of people who read PH without posting much, if anything. Others seem to spend 24/7 posting. The volume of posting isn't a guarantee of quality

[Kong]

I think you just need to use common sense. Sadly a lot of scammers are signing up to owners forums, posting a few replies then ripping people off in the classifieds which is a shame.