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No Sellers willing to do COD anymore???

I first got into this hobby about 4 years ago (at least in terms of owning "high end" equipment).......one of the main ways I was able to do that was by buying almost everything used. My speakers (B&W M802's) I found used at a local audio dealer, & after that, bought most of the rest of my system from private sellers thru Audiogon, always doing COD, which seemed almost SOP at that time.

Now, most sellers INSIST on Cashier's Check upfront, end of discussion. And I admit, when I'm selling items long distance, it would be nice to be able to impose that, but the last time I tried that when listing something FS, no one was willing to do that. Am I missing something? Would anyone ship their expensive audio stuff to someone just relying on their word that they'd then send them the $$$?? It seems too one-sided now......even with all the potential pitfalls of COD; at least it's sort of equal for both parties. Thanks for any input!
steveaudio
kevziek
323 posts
 
I often request prepayment on items. However, I have lots of good feedback. This doesn't mean I won't do CODs; if I speak to the person and make it very clear that I don't want to ship unless they are absolutely sure they want the item.

What irks me, though, is Sellers who have little or often NO feedback, and yet they want prepayment. Get real -- why should anyone prepay someone who has no verifiable selling history on Audiogon? The scary part is that these Sellers seem to get buyers anyway. I guess some people like spinning the roulette wheel.
blkadr
731 posts
 
Jeff says he wont COD "on principle". Is there something inherently wrong or evil about COD? A lot of us dont have much feedback and I for one have been lied to over the phone. Sincerly, no offence intended, but COD works for me and Im honest. I had one buyer send a money order that required his signature and he had forgotten to sign it. My bank would not deposit it and it became a hassle. Frankly Im afraid to send a large sum to persons unknown. Lots of good feedback like many of you have have and I think Its ok, but...
cornfedboy
1,645 posts
 
"cod, send overnight" is pretty much the equivalent of "bend over and spread your cheeks." i have not and will not sell anything over the ‘net on a cod basis. -cfb
ramstl
342 posts
 
I will never send out money for an item that is not in my hand first. There is much more chance of getting ripped off. COD, paypal, ect. is the only way to go, unless I buying from an established business.

People who will not close a deal on COD, and there are more protections with COD than pay first, are greedy, paranoid or way too overly careful.

If I am going to buy a high ticket item, I would rather travel 500 miles than send out $2000 or more.
brulee
564 posts
 
Ramstl, you have had good success it seems with COD. So I can understand your point of view. I try to be as honest as can be. A reputation ruined in this small community is not worth trying to pass off something not as advertised. I always offer money back if what I am selling is not as described. I do not offer this on something damaged in shipping. My opinions on COD is the same as CFB. Keep selling COD and you will soon understand. The buyer is protected but the seller is not. I hope you do not have to experience this to know what I am talking about. I wish there was a perfect system, but you will always have someone who will try to take advantage of a situation.
When check clears I will send that item. I may lose some sales, but I can live with that.
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