Classified transactions.. normal procedure / suggestions?

[aeroflyer 0]

Hi,
I'm looking at gear I'd like to buy in the classified section, and need some suggestions about making the transaction. I don't want to send all the money up front and have been asking to do the transaction through a rigger... is this the norm? I don't want to send 100% up front in this case (seller with 0 posts, no serial numbers of parachute).

Suggestions?

[davelepka 4]

Look for a third party rigger or used gear dealer to use as a broker. Someone not in your town or the sellers town, a true thrid party.

Send payment in full to the thrid party, who will notify the seller of payment in hand. They send the gear for an inspection, and the rest depends on the outcome of the inspection.

I know someone on this site has mentioned a gear dealer who does just that for something like $50. Anyone remember who? Anyone?

[BIGUN 1,326]

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I know someone on this site has mentioned a gear dealer who does just that for something like $50. Anyone remember who? Anyone?

I know that "GravityGirl" used to offer this service, but its been awhile since that was stated and I'm not sure of the price.

Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

[spootch 0]

What Dave said. Get em to send it to Mr Warner he's well known.

[JerryBaumchen 1,376]

H flyer,

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no serial numbers of parachute

Just a thought: If he won't give you the SN's I would consider backing away.

JerryBaumchen

[aeroflyer 0]

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H flyer,

Quote

no serial numbers of parachute

Just a thought: If he won't give you the SN's I would consider backing away.

JerryBaumchen

Not won't, just didn't list them. I'll ask.

[davelepka 4]

Just like others have suggested, if a seller won't provide serial numbers, that's a red flag. In general, if you present a seller a reasonable thrid party arrangement with a reputable person or company as the thrid party and they refuse to play ball, there's a reason for that. Either it's a straight scam or there's 'questionable' condition issues with the gear he's trying to pass off as 'good shape', whatever the case may be, an honest seller with quality goods won't shy away from a reasonable deal that protects the buyer and the seller.

[jim_32766 0]

Some of the better known and/or larger DZs usually will act as the trusted third party. The money and the item for sale have to be in control of the third party. When and if the item for sale passes inspection the third party passes the money to the seller and the item to buyer. They usually charge a fee for this service of course.

If you have shipping involved make sure the terms regarding who pays for shipping to/from is also agreed upon in advance. People interested in a sound business transaction usually have no problem with this approach. If someone refuses to use a trusted third party or won't provide full information, walk away.

The meaning of life . . . is to make life have meaning.

[wolfriverjoe 1,523]

Search the phrase "Rigger as escrow".

As others have said, find an independent rigger both parties agree on. Seller sends gear to rigger for inspection. If it passes inspection, buyer sends money to seller. Seller then tells rigger to release the gear.

Make sure you agree who pays shipping to and from rigger in event of sale or failed inspection.

A lot of riggers/gear shops will do the escrow part for free, but the inspection usually has a fee (somewhere around a repack fee).

"There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy

"~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

[popsjumper 2]

This "third-party" business is called an Escrow Service.

Your rigger at Pacific Skydivers will know all about it. Talk to him/her.

My reality and yours are quite different.
I think we're all Bozos on this bus.
Falcon5232, SCS8170, SCSA353, POPS9398, DS239