Tips for a smooth transaction

stickstones

Vapor concierge
This is a thread that will be stickied that anyone can post suggestions that worked out for them for safe and easy transactions. We all want to avoid scammers and enjoy our purchases, so we can help each other do that here.
 
stickstones,
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stickstones

Vapor concierge
My first transaction was a trade and I learned something that I like from pcpvapors. I have the packages sent to my local post office instead of my address. The USPS will recieve and hold packages for you that are addressed as follows:

Your Name
General Delivery
Your City, State, Zip Code

Check with your local office first, but you just go in with an ID and pick it up. I had a package sent to me this way and with delivery confirmation, I was able to track and know when to go and pick it up without notification sent to my mailbox...good for stealth in many ways!

I also like paypal for its protection, although I haven't had to use it here in that fashion yet. Just make sure you check that the transaction was for merchandise and not a gift.
 

Stu

Maconheiro
Staff member
Some more tips would be to check a seller's history here by looking at their:
  • registration date
  • post count
  • post content
  • previous sales
  • feedback in the positive or negative feedback threads
I just purchased an expensive (for me, anyway) bub from a relatively new member. I did exactly this ^^ and still didn't feel comfortable pulling the trigger. So I went one step further and read through the seller's posts to get a better idea of the member's "true colors" as it were. After reading through a half dozen random posts, I felt much more comfortable as it was clear to me that the guy is a true vaporist and knew his stuff.

So the only thing I would add to the above list is to randomly sample some posts from the buyer. It helped me feel confident to pull the trigger and I'm now loving my new Mobius ion.

:2c:

edit: Oops... I didn't read vtac's 3rd bullet right the first time. :doh:

Nevermind....
 

SalamiCity

Well-Known Member
Paypal is always great and DON'T SEND AS GIFT, ONLY GOODS... Gift will mean nothing... Someone on Boromarket was apparently scammed out of 1000$ when the dude sent it as a gift, got his package, and then filed a "I didn't authorize these payments." Dude A lost 1000$ and the piece :(.
 
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SVuser

Well-Known Member
It seems like paypal is a popular method here. What other methods exist? I don't really want to set up an account with paypal.

OK I've just read the rules :p

Other safe money transactions include mailing a bank check, cashier's check, or money order. This may take a couple days, but you will have a record of the transaction.

How does a money order work? Which is least complicated/safest?
 
SVuser,

Stu

Maconheiro
Staff member
You can get a money order at any bank, post office, and most liquor stores if you live around me.

You just have to pay a few bucks for the privilege.

:peace:
 
Stu,

JCat

Well-Known Member
Accessory Maker
e-mail money transfer through online banking is another option.
 
JCat,

Tamataz

Icelander
It seems like paypal is a popular method here. What other methods exist? I don't really want to set up an account with paypal.

OK I've just read the rules :p

Other safe money transactions include mailing a bank check, cashier's check, or money order. This may take a couple days, but you will have a record of the transaction.

How does a money order work? Which is least complicated/safest?


Paypal is the least complicated and safest :p You might as well take 5 minutes to set up a paypal account, you will find yourself using it a lot of you buy stuff online often. Checks and money orders are so 90's :p (and a hassle)

Play smart and you wont get scammed via paypal.
 

Curiousone

Well-Known Member
Well, I've always been very detail oriented in these online purchases. However, I recently didn't specify that the seller must ship with a tracking #. The one time I didn't do this and the package doesn't arrive. The seller says of course he sent it...but in a regular envelope with 3 stamps on it. After first agreeing to refund he decides he isn't unless paypal makes him. I don't know the final verdict yet, but at the moment (approaching 3 weeks), my money is gone and I did not receive the item.

Moral: Not only use paypal, but make sure you specify to the seller to provide a tracking number. Simple, but you might forget for a small item. Jus a friendly reminder from someone who's been screwed :cuss:
 
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Mynameismud

Accessory Maker
Accessory Maker
Moral: Not only use paypal, but make sure you specify to the seller to provide a tracking number. Simple, but you might forget for a small item. Jus a friendly reminder from someone who's been screwed :cuss:
I dont think a tracking number is completely necessary, especially when its something small. I saw your issue, the packaging is the key issue, i believe a plain white envelope for a wooden stem.

I think if your dealing with a trusted or even decent seller most of the times you wont have to worry about it, butif your overly concerned when ordering a small item maybe specify you would like it in one of those bubble wrap envelopes or small box
 

Curiousone

Well-Known Member
Tracking number just gives the satisfaction of knowing exactly when the item was mailed and provides the comfort that you're not being duped. Don't know if that is what happened in my case, but having tracking info would eliminate the possibility, that's all I'm saying. It could still be lost during shipment etc, but again you can still track it with some accuracy.

Plus, if shipped through Paypal, delivery confirmation (tracking #) is free with USPS. No reason not to request it, imo. You don't have to agree, just what I've learned from my experience.
 
Curiousone,

Crohnie

Crohn's Warrior
I've sold 3 vapes now on FC and IMO, USPS Priority Shipping is the way to go. It's quick, (1-3 days) reasonably priced, and you get that all important tracking number. A tracking # not only provides the buyer with an idea where the package is and when it will be delivered, but also a certain amount of protection/proof for both parties to the sale. Just my :2c:

I would also HIGHLY recommend using Pay Pal. It's easy to set up an account and payment is instant. Incredibly easy to use and offers both parties some protection.
 

Rrose Selavy

log enthusiast
as a buyer is there a way to check if something is sent as gift? before payment?

also what are some safe words you guys use for sending vape or glass.
 
Rrose Selavy,

Pcpvapors

Well-Known Member
as a buyer is there a way to check if something is sent as gift? before payment?

also what are some safe words you guys use for sending vape or glass.

There are no safe words, the best policy I've had is simply "thanks for everything".

I do tend to use piece for glass and unit for vaporizer quite often when in PM.
 

Sinclue

OK disagree with me, I can't force you to be right
Any suggestions on how to make a trade if you can't meet in person?

.
 
Sinclue,
I just purchased an expensive (for me, anyway) bub from a relatively new member. I did exactly this ^^ and still didn't feel comfortable pulling the trigger. So I went one step further and read through the seller's posts to get a better idea of the member's "true colors" as it were. After reading through a half dozen random posts, I felt much more comfortable as it was clear to me that the guy is a true vaporist and knew his stuff.

So the only thing I would add to the above list is to randomly sample some posts from the buyer. It helped me feel confident to pull the trigger and I'm now loving my new Mobius ion.

:2c:

edit: Oops... I didn't read vtac's 3rd bullet right the first time. :doh:

Nevermind....
How would a newbie respectfully get into the vape lane without ridicule and cast out? Lol I'm in indiana and the guru that I learned from retired.now I'm stuck without guideance.now I'm all cold and alone.mommy. Lol but seriously any tips will be godly.
 
Wraithsmith,

panasonic

Well-Known Member
Dumb question, I have a PD that is new in box. Should I break the seal ont he box to take pictures of it? I would feel weird listing it with a picture of just the box...
 

lazylathe

Almost there...
Any ideas on what to do if you communicate with a seller and the communication is great!! Send the money and POOF!! the seller goes quiet!!
Promised to ship the glass the next day and send photos etc...

I have sent numerous e mails and PM's and no response!

I sent the money via PayPal and sent it as GOODS so I should be covered!

Money was sent and accepted last Tuesday and no communication since then...
Member had 90 posts here and I can see he is on the forum, just not posting since he accepted the money...

EDIT: just received shipping notification from the seller! And a sorry note for the delay. Still no reply to any of my previous communications.
Waiting to see what arrives now!
 
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lazylathe,
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