Sending $10k+ to a random guy in the States

[Durzel]

I'm looking at purchasing an electronic item from the States from a guy on Craigslist. I'm doing my due diligence at the moment to ensure that it is in the condition he says it's in, etc.

Not having done something like this before outside of the usual channels like eBay and PayPal I'm wondering how I can adequately protect myself. The obvious answer is escrow - assuming the seller consents. Can anyone recommend any services?

Also it's large and heavy so will need palletised & crated shipment. I've gotten a quote from UPS for circa $950 dollars shipped via Air Freight. Anyone got any other recommendations on that front?

I assume also I'm going to get utterly battered on duty & VAT on it, even though its second hand? I can't underdeclare it due to the value - I need it to be fully insured.

Look forward to any input anyone can provide

[The Moose]

Where in the US? Fingers crossed and hope for the best really.

[Durzel]

Colorado.

Nothing the guy has said thus far has given me any cause for alarm, in fact quite the opposite. At the end of the day though he's there and I'm here and were i to just send the money there's nothing stopping him disappearing off the face of the Earth, and all I'd have (currently) is an email address and phone number.

[The Moose]

Durzel said:

Colorado.

Nothing the guy has said thus far has given me any cause for alarm, in fact quite the opposite. At the end of the day though he's there and I'm here and were i to just send the money there's nothing stopping him disappearing off the face of the Earth, and all I'd have (currently) is an email address and phone number.

It's the age old problem of is he's legitimate then you've got nothing to worry about. If he's not, the e-mail address and phone number will be disconnected by the morning after you send the cash.

Have you tried asking the dude and for his opinion?

[Durzel]

Not yet, it's early days yet and we're at the stage where he's sending me photos and videos of it. I've done the usual due diligence by asking for photos with his name and the date on, so I'm covering all the bases there.

I was hoping someone on here might have used some kind of escrow service that they could recommend.

[peterperkins]

If it's high value item then

A return flight to the US might be had for <$1.5k perhaps you could go there and meet up, see the goods, pay the money and ensure it gets collected by your courier before jetting back home..

[anonymous-user]

For $10k I would be getting on a plane to go and view/organise shopping myself.

[Chainsaw Rebuild]

Could you pay someone in the US to look at it for you and see it onto the boat? perhaps a reputable mechanic or a solicitor?

[Durzel]

Taking a trip out there isn't feasible I'm afraid, for a variety of reasons. On the critical path of a number of projects at the moment.

Chainsaw Rebuild said:

Could you pay someone in the US to look at it for you and see it onto the boat? perhaps a reputable mechanic or a solicitor?

Don't know anyone in that area. Also, it wouldn't really help me because I can ascertain the condition from photos & videos. He's already sent me very high resolution photos so I know exactly what it is I'd be getting.. the issue is payment and completion of the sale.

[Durzel]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Yeah I know that'll be punishing, but it is worth at least how much I woud be paying for it so no chance of underdeclaring.

[Efbe]

Pay someone on PH to view it?

Have we got anyone near Colorado on here?

or are here other companies that do this?
https://www.ups.com/be/en/shipping/services/value-...

https://www.aramex.com/ship/express-services

Edited by Efbe on Wednesday 4th October 22:25

[recordman]

The traditional way of conducting a transaction like this is for you to open an Irrevocable Documentary Letter of Credit through your bank in favour of the American supplier.

The L/C would require the beneficiary to submit documents such as the Commercial invoice, Airwaybill or Bill of Lading, Packing List etc to the corresponding bank in USA before he will be paid.

The downside is that there will be significant costs involved (circa £500 maybe) and there would be nothing to stop the seller shipping a pallet load of bricks.

But if I were you I'd get off my arse and go there and see for myself.

[schmalex]

Efbe said:

Pay someone on PH to view it?

Have we got anyone near Colorado on here?

or are here other companies that do this?
https://www.ups.com/be/en/shipping/services/value-...

https://www.aramex.com/ship/express-services

Edited by Efbe on Wednesday 4th October 22:25

Jimmyjimjim on here is from Colorado (outskirts of Denver if I remember correctly). It might be worth dropping him a PM to see if he can assist

[psi310398]

Have you considered asking the Colorado Bar for a list of commercial attorneys, hire one firm and pay the fee necessary to ensure the equipment is transferred to the shipping company? I'd be surprised if you paid more than a couple of hundred dollars for a few hours work, especially if they send a paralegal out to do the work.

[Durzel]

Thanks all, you've given me some food for thought

[cashmax]

Paypal?

[The Moose]

cashmax said:

Paypal?

Seller is unlikely to agree to accept.

[akirk]

in answer to your original question...

escrow.com - I have used them in the past for purchases from the USA at this kind of value...

make sure you have done social media searches and checked age of email address etc. if possible - built up a picture of the person...

[Durzel]

akirk said:

in answer to your original question...

escrow.com - I have used them in the past for purchases from the USA at this kind of value...

make sure you have done social media searches and checked age of email address etc. if possible - built up a picture of the person...

Thanks.. Did a quote on there and the prices look reasonable given the sums of money involved.

This has progressed in a different direction now anyway, sadly. After further investigation the seller appears to have a reproduction certificate of authenticity for the item which devalues it somewhat, so will probably now not be proceeding (certainly not at the full price).

Thanks all!

[dionbee93]

Only skimmed throught the replies quickly and apologize if it's been suggested it already..

Could you not pay a little extra for him to put it on eBay and pay by Paypal using CC so then you'd be covered from any angle?