Dealing with a Stranger?

Broadstruck

How comfortable would you be sending a USPS Money Order to a complete stranger for a coin?

Would sending it Certified Mail offer any assurance if the coin is not received?

MidLifeCrisis

This would be a good time to use a credit card, such as AMEX, if you can. It will give you an added layer of protection.

curly

Just completed a mid five figure deal with a brother on the forum with nothing more than a few e-mails and phone conversations. You'll know when the deal feels right.

rgCoinGuy

It would be traceable, and the certified mail would also help should you have to go to court over it. The question is, if you are feeling uncomfortable enough to ask the question, is it worth the potential hassle?

notwilight

I get money orders all the time for coin sales--their choice, not mine.

I would assess the situation based on individual merits. Is there something that makes you nervous about this individual? Do they have good ebay feedback? Even if it is an off-ebay sale ebay feedback can be useful. If you have no reason to be concerned, and you're just looking at the fact that you don't know him, then most sellers are honest. However, if you are asking because your communication with this guy has made you nervous, then trust your feelings. What is written between the lines can be important.

I don't see what the certified letter buys you. I say that because I have one buyer who always spends $5 to send his $40 money order certified...it always makes me wonder if he's thinking that in court he could use that as proof that I got the payment...

--Jerry

InternetJunky

<< <i>It would be traceable, and the certified mail would also help should you have to go to court over it. The question is, if you are feeling uncomfortable enough to ask the question, is it worth the potential hassle? >>





So far I've only used money orders for transactions. I always hear about PayPal issues here, and have leaned to avoid it. I'm sure in the future I'll have to make an account but for now I can do without it. Also, the Money Order is good for record keeping IMO. The top half receipt you keep contains the total amount, the date it was made, and also the persons information who you bought the items from. It is also the gurantee for a refund in case the M.O. is lost or stolen. The refund is valid up to 2 years.

BBQnBLUES

<< <i>

So far I've only used money orders for transactions. I always hear about PayPal issues here, and have leaned to avoid it. I'm sure in the future I'll have to make an account but for now I can do without it. Also, the Money Order is good for record keeping IMO. The top half receipt you keep contains the total amount, the date it was made, and also the persons information who you bought the items from. It is also the gurantee for a refund in case the M.O. is lost or stolen. The refund is valid up to 2 years. >>


** Same here ! USPS Money orders are the Only way to go. I will never use PayPal **

lathmach

I've paid for a lot of purchases with Postal MoneyOrders, as well as being paid for items I've sold.
Never had a problem.

Ray

Eagleguy

Funny you mention this. I just sent a couple of money orders to a complete stranger here on the boards and didn't even think about sending them certified until after I dropped them in the mail



JH

Bcsican

For me personally no problem at all...and actually have done it quite a few times with 100% success...one time it was a huge purchase...

Broadstruck

<< <i>Funny you mention this. I just sent a couple of money orders to a complete stranger here on the boards and didn't even think about sending them certified until after I dropped them in the mail



JH >>




My question is more so based on a non member a complete stranger who is non verifiable as to references.

I still live by the ole motto a mans word is his bond... but after more then 3 decades in this hobby I have been a few times without being kissed first!

BTW: Yes you did and you just made the list of good guys and gals!

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dac076

"Stranger" seems ominous when it's capitalized like that. How much money are we talking about? I wouldn't bother with certified mail unless it's significant

NewEnglandNotes

If it is a dealer, or an ebay sale with a seller that has decent feedback, you are probably ok. If it is something you saw on Craigslist, that is a totally different story.

adamlaneus

<< <i>How comfortable would you be sending a USPS Money Order to a complete stranger for a coin?

Would sending it Certified Mail offer any assurance if the coin is not received? >>



I probably would not feel comfortable sending a USPS MO to a complete stranger. This is a case where I would want references.

Certified Mail proves that something was mailed, but not necessarily what was mailed (and how much).

19Lyds

<< <i>I get money orders all the time for coin sales--their choice, not mine.

I would assess the situation based on individual merits. Is there something that makes you nervous about this individual? Do they have good ebay feedback? Even if it is an off-ebay sale ebay feedback can be useful. If you have no reason to be concerned, and you're just looking at the fact that you don't know him, then most sellers are honest. However, if you are asking because your communication with this guy has made you nervous, then trust your feelings. What is written between the lines can be important.

I don't see what the certified letter buys you. I say that because I have one buyer who always spends $5 to send his $40 money order certified...it always makes me wonder if he's thinking that in court he could use that as proof that I got the payment...

--Jerry >>



Jerry, I could be mistaken but I think the OP is asking, As a Buyer, how comfortable do you fell in dealing with strangers with the implication that once a Money Ordered is purchased and sent, what recourse does the buyer have if the coin is not sent or not received.

As a seller, no problem since the money orders can (and should be) cashed before the coin is sent.

pennyannie

I never send a money order for more money than i care to lose, that said i have send MO totaling a few grand and always got the goods. You screw me over 500 bucks i may very well show up on your door step shortly. I drove 800 miles to cash a check a few years ago after it bounced 2 times. They thought i could do nothing. I kept calling until they had enough funds and ZAP!!!!!!

Broadstruck

<< <i>Jerry, I could be mistaken but I think the OP is asking, As a Buyer, how comfortable do you fell in dealing with strangers with the implication that once a Money Ordered is purchased and sent, what recourse does the buyer have if the coin is not sent or not received. >>