How to broker a deal?

[mip]

Hey Gang,
 
Do any of you have advice on how to complete a transaction for a used bass? I've purchased stuff from E-bay, but never from someone I've met online.  
 
I've talked with the guy, and everything seems straight up. Nevertheless, I'd like to be able to buy with confidence.  
 
How have y'all done it? Have any of you used a proxy service, or escrow service?
 
Thanks,
 
Mip

[bumhucker]

i've used escrow services--the nice thing is i was able to get the bass and inspect and THEN the seller got his $$$.  i can't remember the name--maybe ebay has some links? escrow.com?

[dwmark]

there is also an online private investigator service (Intelius, or something like that).  the first time i bought from the club, i used it to make sure that the seller was who he said he was.  not the best, but i figured we're all trustworthy if we are who we say we are.  you can find out other stuff about folks with that service.
 
dw

[mip]

Thanks. I looked into Escrow.com. It seems like it would do the trick, but it's 3% charge. It would be nice to just trust people....
 
First we have to agree on a price, and then the terms. Hopefully it'll all work out.
 
(Message edited by mip on July 12, 2006)

[lothartu]

Is there any chance of doing the deal in person? If this is a high dollar item then meeting half way even if it a few hundered miles drive may be worth it for both the peoples peace of mind.
 
I have been very lucky and both of the higher dollar items that I have sold to people over the internet were able to be done in person.
 
If I had not been able to meet in person then I would have used an escrow service.
 
-Jim

[mip]

Thanks - I think that's the direction I'll go.