Any Drawbacks to COD

When I buy equipment I always insist on COD, I don't feel comfortable sending cashier check to a stranger. This way if the box is full of bricks, you have a chance to cancel the Cashier Check.

I also had an experience like Audiobugged. I bought a piece of equipment from an Audiogoner for $1500 COD. When the UPS guy arrived, he said there was no COD, no funds due, wouldn't take my money orders.
Naturally, I called the seller, told him what had happened, and dropped the money orders in the mail to him.
I guess UPS doesn't always know COD means . . . COD!

I personally have never used COD.

I have paid for most of my purchases with PayPal or with USPS MO. If the item is large in $$, I usually contact the seller/buyer, and get a real feel for them.

I had a pair of KEF 107.2's that I had one guy 'so interested in' if I would send them COD.... well, I refused, and asked for at least 1/2 up front for shipping.... he insisted he sent it. Well, it never got there, and he stopped returnng my calls after a while...several weeks....

I will not use COD.

Ken

Any drawbacks to selling and shipping COD?

Yes, the buyer can change his/her mind, refuse delivery, and stick you with shipping charges both ways. You item also has twice as much chance to be damaged in transit.

One option that I've read before that seems to make sense to me, is to have the buyer pay double the shipping + a little 'safety fee' up front, before shipping COD.
For instance, if I'm selling a $2000 preamp and shipping is $40 ($2040), I would ask the buyer for a $100 MO non-refundable deposit. I then would ship the preamp COD for $1940. If the buyer refuses delivery, I re-list and sell the item again, and keep the $100 for shipping/services rendered.

I've over 150 transactions between AudiogoN/Ebay, and never used COD as a seller or buyer. However, this solution I've seen from previous threads seems fair for both parties, IMHO.

Cheers,
John

ive used COD several times & im in the process of another COD deal as we speak,when im selling i want shipping charges up front & when im buying i pay shipping charges up front.

ELIZIBETH,where are you getting this info from where "the ups dude will allmost allways accept a check even if you request cash"? is this from your own personal experiences or speculation also what does not getting to open up the box before paying have to do with buying somthing COD?if you sent a postal money order or paypal you've allready paid even before anything was shipped so i dont see your point!

from a buyers stand point a postal money order is the worst form of payment right behind wire tx & offers the buyer ZERO PROTECTION as postal money orders cant be stoped or recinded & can be cashed at any us post office with a fake I D.

mike.