What is the safest way to structure a transaction through the Classifieds. Maybe I am not cautious, maybe I am paranoid. Do I need to be?

Buyer: 50% payment up front and 50% payment after delivery. Maybe ask for a picture of the product before you commit to anything. Don't expect to be able to get a refund. Usually all sales are final.

Seller: Do not accept personal checks -- accept only money orders, cashier's checks or the like.

If you're really paranoid, ask for a photocopy of the seller/buyer's driver's license. Then hunt them down if the transaction goes south =)

Unfortunately it's a bit riskier than say Ebay, where there is a feedback system to check on a seller's history.

The seller definitely has the upper hand, since they don't have to ship until they receive payment and they can request a money order or cashier's check.

I would at least get a phone number and talk to them live on the phone before committing, since an email address can just disappear. Also, I'd want an actual street address to mail payment. I'd be wary of a PO box.

Otherwise, it is indeed a risk. I've bought and sold over Ebay as well as with A4.org'ers and have been lucky to have worked with trustworthy people. No rip-offs yet.

Things I've purchased through Ebay or private sale:
CD Changer (Ebay)
Borbet Type T & S02 PPs
A! Sport Grill
EuroLocks
Sport springs & shocks (should arrive in mail today)

A list of pretty pricey stuff and I haven't been shafted yet...knock on wood.

Buyer Beware!
Dave
'97 1.8TQMS Wett and other stuff

How is Mickey doing? :)
My brother decided against the 90 CS Quattro in Natick. He is now looking for less expensive alternatives.

Cris

It's safe for both parties that payment and product will be received by each. And when the UPS guys comes, the Buyer can check the product. UPS guy won't leave without the payment, so the Seller is assured payment.

I very recently purchased a set of OEM 5spoke wheels through the classifieds on this board. The add said "immaculate" 5 spokes with Goodyear RSA's, less than 500 miles. Well, the wheels arrived earlier this week and while the face of the wheel was pretty clean, the insides looked like they had never been cleaned. Tons of brake dust and spider webs. On 2 of the wheels there are big tire machine marks around the outside edge. I have spent the last 3 nights washing and waxing the wheels and they did come out pretty good (except for the tire machine marks). The real kick in the teeth was the tires. I already had a buyer lined up for the RSA's so I could put on my snow tires, but instead of the tires only having 500 miles like the add stated, they actually only have about 4000 miles left. It would be wasteful to even mount the tires on other rims at this point, so now I can't sell them. 200 bucks out the window. Bottom line, ask for pictures of things and if tires are involved, get tread depths. What's that latin saying for buyer beware?

RickD
99.5 1.8tqms G

Sorry to hear about your story. It definitely could have been worse.

I bought my Borbet Type-Ts & S02 PP's from Will Allen (fellow anal retentive A4 owner) and the wheels were washed, waxed and scratch free inside and out. However, I took delivery in person, which certainly can result in a nicer presentation...but I'm sure Will would have cleaned them regardless, cause he's just a swell guy! ;-)

FYI...Let the buyer beware in latin is "Caveat Emptor"

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