Sellers Beware!!!


Folks, 

I am wondering if anyone else here noticing the latest trend on Audiogon. I have been approached by buyers in Vietnam to buy my listings. I have gotten at least dozen offers in last month or so, they are pretending to be US based buyers, with US address and do not disclose their actual location until you have accepted the offer.  I have already declined two confirmed offers as soon as I figured out their true identity. The US address being provided on Audiogon is either a local business shop run by Vietnamese native or a 'friend' address. I googled the address and called the local address listed on Audiogon. It turns out to be small business shop and the owner had no idea about the sale or the product he is about to receive in next 2-3 days. 

The icing on the cake, the buyer gets bent of shape when you point out these last minute surprises and then try shift the blame on us that we are not very 'trusting'. Go figure! 

I am outlining some of the things that were common in my dealings, 

1. Broken English (sorry no offense)
2. 12-14 hour delay between communications
3. Start off with low ball offer and then agrees to pay within 10-15% off of your asking price
4. Unusual delay in receiving payments, they tend to apologize profusely and blame PayPal for delay
5. They will ask you to 'absorb' PayPal fee due higher percentage charged by PayPal on intl. transfers
6. Negative, neutral or no feedback
7. The address in their Audiogon profile will be either in west cost (CA) or east coast (NY). 

This thread is not intended to target a certain race or nationality, the sole purpose of this thread is to create awareness against the 'sneaky' buyers. I welcome all buyers, domestic or international and wish them a hassle free buying and selling experience on Audiogon. 

128x128lalitk
I have had many successful International dealings as well.

However, the key to a good International transaction, is knowing upfront that it is an International transaction.
Transparency between buyer and seller is a pretty important aspect for a pleasant transaction. That means that the onus for communication, and asking the proper questions lies on both parties.
In my 'unpleasant' transaction, the buyer didn't lie to me. I just never asked where he was located. I assumed that a USA address meant a USA transaction. As I said earlier, lesson learned. As  a seller I just need to ask more questions.

Unpleasant transactions are a part of life. I recently just had one as a buyer, sending a International wire transfer and having $340 just magically disappear in exchange rates.

Sometimes you get the bear, sometimes the bear gets you.
Just keep your eyes open.
The bear always gets you, sometimes deceiving you into the opposite. But you win in losing so things are great.
dekay, you are the most interesting man in the world, aren't you?
Stay thirsty my friends!
John:

I figure that with those limitations, even if I get screwed I'm ahead of the game.