Has someone of you experience with Escrow.com for selling or buying a tuba?
Is this a reliable intermediate?
Thanks a lot in advance for your reply.
Hubert
The Netherlands
Escrow.com?
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Easy Mac
- bugler
- Posts: 203
- Joined: Sun Sep 06, 2020 3:43 pm
Re: Escrow.com?
Escrow.com is one of the better escrow services out there, but check the BBB to read complaints about it. PayPal also offers an escrow service.
Personally, I only meet people face-to-face. If it has to be shipped I am not interested in it. Period. Safer is always better. However, I am willing to drive a pretty long way to avoid shipping. If you find a seller willing to meet you, testing the horn in person, then paying in cash is the BEST way to do things. Honestly, what is there about a tuba that you cannot figure out within a few minutes of playing it? If you are worried about mechanical issues then you probably need to stick with new horns. Legally, buying a horn as we do is usually considered an "As Is" transaction with no warranty or guarantee of any sort. If you like it, you pay for it, and it is your baby after that, 100%. There is no reason for an escrow service unless you do NOT trust the other party. If that is the case I would go with my gut and walk away.
If you are buying internationally for a used horn, I just wouldn't. It is too risky, and some of the complaints about escrow services are that they end up not doing what they say they will do if there is a dispute. Also, shipping something BACK to Europe (or wherever) is pretty un-fun. And beware of any escrow service suggested by a seller or buyer that is not one of the very well-known and trusted handful of companies. It is very easy. to set up a fake escrow service and scam the crap of out people before the cops can get involved. It is very common, too. Caveat emptor!
Escrow services are not free, and all of them have issues bad enough to cause complaints to the BBB. The BBB gives Escrow.com an A rating but read some of these complaints that have been filed. This is why I just buy and sell using cash and face-to-face meetings in safe, neutral areas. Many police departments have a "craigslist safe zone" in their parking lot with good lighting, and a video camera system recording what goes down. These are VERY SAFE and you don't have to have fees tacked onto your sale or purchase.
https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/san-francisco ... 1136404294
Personally, I only meet people face-to-face. If it has to be shipped I am not interested in it. Period. Safer is always better. However, I am willing to drive a pretty long way to avoid shipping. If you find a seller willing to meet you, testing the horn in person, then paying in cash is the BEST way to do things. Honestly, what is there about a tuba that you cannot figure out within a few minutes of playing it? If you are worried about mechanical issues then you probably need to stick with new horns. Legally, buying a horn as we do is usually considered an "As Is" transaction with no warranty or guarantee of any sort. If you like it, you pay for it, and it is your baby after that, 100%. There is no reason for an escrow service unless you do NOT trust the other party. If that is the case I would go with my gut and walk away.
If you are buying internationally for a used horn, I just wouldn't. It is too risky, and some of the complaints about escrow services are that they end up not doing what they say they will do if there is a dispute. Also, shipping something BACK to Europe (or wherever) is pretty un-fun. And beware of any escrow service suggested by a seller or buyer that is not one of the very well-known and trusted handful of companies. It is very easy. to set up a fake escrow service and scam the crap of out people before the cops can get involved. It is very common, too. Caveat emptor!
Escrow services are not free, and all of them have issues bad enough to cause complaints to the BBB. The BBB gives Escrow.com an A rating but read some of these complaints that have been filed. This is why I just buy and sell using cash and face-to-face meetings in safe, neutral areas. Many police departments have a "craigslist safe zone" in their parking lot with good lighting, and a video camera system recording what goes down. These are VERY SAFE and you don't have to have fees tacked onto your sale or purchase.
https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/san-francisco ... 1136404294
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hubert
- 3 valves
- Posts: 352
- Joined: Tue Feb 28, 2006 9:40 am
- Location: Netherlands
Re: Escrow.com?
Thanks a lot for your comments, Easy Mac.
Someone in USA has decided to buy a used tuba from one of my friends over here in Europe. The buyer prefers delivery though Escrow.com. Your comments confirm our impression, that there are some doubts about the quality of the services and thus some risks. On the other hand Escrow.com apparently is one of the better escrow services. So, if the buyer persists and notwithstanding his own doubts, my friend feels he cannot refuse to cooperate.......
Hubert
Someone in USA has decided to buy a used tuba from one of my friends over here in Europe. The buyer prefers delivery though Escrow.com. Your comments confirm our impression, that there are some doubts about the quality of the services and thus some risks. On the other hand Escrow.com apparently is one of the better escrow services. So, if the buyer persists and notwithstanding his own doubts, my friend feels he cannot refuse to cooperate.......
Hubert