Safely buying/trading on facebook

craig44

I cannot remember if I have ever asked this question here or not, but here goes.

I am considering making a large purchase/trade via a Facebook group. short of driving to meet up (which is not possible) does anyone know of a respected hobby service that acts like an escrow. Where one party would ship an item to the third party who would only ship to the buyer once payment was sent.

I haven't heard of a hobby source providing this service yet, is there such a thing? It seems as though a service like this would make transacting on FB, IG, message boards so much more safe.

gameusedhoop

No doubt it could be done, but at what cost? Liability issues would be huge, and for trade scenarios value would have to be put on the items. Maybe 15% to 20% fees on both sides (not worth it at that point?) and someone would try to make a go of it, but I don't think it would have enough volume to make it viable as a stand alone business. If you had a working relationship with a major dealer or auction house maybe they would be willing to do something once in awhile for a great customer.

JoeBanzai

With all the idiots, scammers and outright thieves in the hobby and on Facebook, I just wouldn't buy anything I didn't get to see in person.
If you do, be prepared to lose everything on the gamble that you found an honest person.

PaulMaul

I would prefer not to do big dollar deals in those venues, but just like here, if you hang around for awhile first you can get a pretty good sense of who is a legitimate participant in the group, which almost always equates to being trustworthy.

RufussCkingston

At the very least you need to use Paypal and make the seller pay the fee (which is as close to escrow you are reasonably going to get, since you can attempt a return for not as described).... Def no Friends and Family!!!

craig44

@RufussCkingston said:
At the very least you need to use Paypal and make the seller pay the fee (which is as close to escrow you are reasonably going to get, since you can attempt a return for not as described).... Def no Friends and Family!!!

I have never paid via FF yet, but I wonder how many hoops have to be jumped through to get a paypal return. I used to be very easy for buyers to get refunds through ebay, but they have really tightened that up with the authentication program. i imagine it would be similar with PP?

GoDodgersFan

I would strongly suggest you meet in person and at a designated public space. If both the seller and buyer are serious and legit, there should be no issues. If there is big time money involved, meet at a bank and get a certified cashier's check (done in front of both) or cash. I would skip paypal to avoid a potential return and etc. If you are thinking FF, paypal will eventually get you. I have done several local craigslist transactions in person and in cash, and nothing over a few hundred dollars. Good luck.

erba

Search the user within the group and see their past history with selling. You should also ask for vouches within the group and pay goods and services using your credit card for added protection.

swish54

Also check the sports card scammer tracker group on facebook.

There's also this database that could be helpful. https://www.sportscardscams.com/scammers-database/

GroceryRackPack

@swish54 said:
Also check the sports card scammer tracker group on facebook.

There's also this database that could be helpful. https://www.sportscardscams.com/scammers-database/

hey swish54,
that scammer database is Massive....
Good to know...Thanks...

RonSportscards

You can add '7th inning stretch' from Beckett Marketplace to that scammer list.
Bought 60+ cards all listed as NRMT/MINT and every card I received was less than EX, as low as PR, with creases, miscuts and smashed corners. Not even one card I received I'd even consider NRMT.

Also add 'Elite Collectibles' in St Louis, MO to the scammer list. They sell trimmed cards.

vols1

It’s good to set up a network of trusted friends on Facebook. If I buy a large collection that requires a trailer to load then I’ll give someone a percentage of the collection to pick it up.

82FootballWaxMemorys

@GoDodgersFan said:
I would strongly suggest you meet in person and at a designated public space. If both the seller and buyer are serious and legit, there should be no issues. If there is big time money involved, meet at a bank and get a certified cashier's check (done in front of both) or cash. I would skip paypal to avoid a potential return and etc. If you are thinking FF, paypal will eventually get you. I have done several local craigslist transactions in person and in cash, and nothing over a few hundred dollars. Good luck.

During the pandemic I met a seller in a Pep Boy's parking lot to do a deal. I was the one who suggested the venue as it's was about half way between our locations. Boy was I shocked when I got there to find out he worked there.

Apologies this post is of no value to this topic