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kind of OT ebay help - any Canadians out there?

jlbsquaredjlbsquared Posts: 840
in Trading Cards & Memorabilia Forum
This isn't really card related but I didnt feel like navigating around the ebay boards for an answer, plus the people here are much smarter than over thereimage


I'm selling a motorcycle on eBay, and got this question -

Q: I live in Niagara Falls,Canada. I would like to bid if that is ok with you. I can pay cash US$. I would only need a copy of the title sent to me and would have to wait 48 hours to cross the border with it. If you can give me your phone # I'd like to call and ask you a few questions. I had one of these about 2 years ago and would really like to get another one. Thanks


Am I being set up for a scam? Sending a copy of the title (why? -to avoid duty or something?) makes me a little nervous, and I've usually only dealt with car buying/selling at dealerships. Thanks a ton in advance for any answers...

Comments

  • Bottom9thBottom9th Posts: 2,695 ✭✭
    Not an expert but it sounds fishy to me
  • dontippetdontippet Posts: 2,613 ✭✭✭✭
    Ask him why he needs a copy of the title, then do some googling and see if it is common.
    > [Click on this link to see my ebay listings.](https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=&_in_kw=1&_ex_kw=&_sacat=0&_udlo=&_udhi=&_ftrt=901&_ftrv=1&_sabdlo=&_sabdhi=&_samilow=&_samihi=&_sadis=15&_stpos=61611&_sargn=-1&saslc=1&_salic=1&_fss=1&_fsradio=&LH_SpecificSeller=1&_saslop=1&_sasl=mygirlsthree3&_sop=12&_dmd=1&_ipg=50&_fosrp=1)
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  • storm888storm888 Posts: 11,701 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Ask him why he needs a copy of the title, then do some googling and see if it is common. >>



    //////////////////////////////////

    I think it is common, but I would ask the potential buyer.

    He may just want to speed up the import process.

    Have him call you or ask for his number.

    Canadians often save lots of money buying bikes in the USA.


    riv

    ...................


    By "copy" I am assuming he means a "fax or xerox."

    You cannot give him a real title, until he pays you cash.


    NEVER accept PayPal in such a sale.

    CASH ONLY.



    Folks Who Bite Get Bitten. Folks Who Don't Bite Get Eaten.
  • jlbsquaredjlbsquared Posts: 840
    Thanks much for the quick advice guys
  • nightcrawlernightcrawler Posts: 5,110 ✭✭
    I've shipped three bikes and 7 tractors from the USA up to Canada. Nothing crosses the border without a title.


    EDIT TO ADD: He's probably trying to get it done without using a broker.
  • storm888storm888 Posts: 11,701 ✭✭✭
    "...Nothing crosses the border without a title...."

    /////////////////


    Of course, that is so.

    The prospective buyer's email seemed to state that he wanted
    a "copy" of the title prior to bidding.

    I don't think that is what he meant to say.
    Folks Who Bite Get Bitten. Folks Who Don't Bite Get Eaten.
  • nightcrawlernightcrawler Posts: 5,110 ✭✭

    Ya I just caught that after I posted. If you don't use a customs broker it's a real painful ordeal. It sounds like he's getting ready to buy a bike to me.
  • jackstrawjackstraw Posts: 3,809 ✭✭✭✭
    At first it sounded fishy but now I read the others responses and
    it seems legit? Are you close to Niagra or is this something he
    is going to travel to you to pick up?
    Collector Focus

    ON ITS WAY TO NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92658
  • jlbsquaredjlbsquared Posts: 840
    At first it sounded fishy but now I read the others responses and
    it seems legit? Are you close to Niagra or is this something he
    is going to travel to you to pick up?



    Yeah I live just across the border in Buffalo - I sent an email asking for clarification and offered the guy my phone # to see if he was legit. Just wanted to be sure -there is no scam that can come from mailing a COPY of the title, right?

    After years of selling mainly cards on the bay I was a little surprised to see an auction with 30+ watchers in the first couple of hours, and by the number of questions rec'd... Glad I only have to do this once...
  • nightcrawlernightcrawler Posts: 5,110 ✭✭
    I imagine you'll get everything sorted out when you talk to him. But I just thought I'd add that the 48 hrs thing is real. Customs needs 48 hrs notice with all paper work in place.

    And also you shouldn't worry about sending a copy of the title. It's just a piece of paper that customs needs. No scam could come of it.

    I feel sorry for Americans shipping south from Canada, they need to provide their tax number to the seller, shipper and broker. It just seems scarry.
  • jlbsquaredjlbsquared Posts: 840
    Thaks nightcrawler - I actually have a different Canadian buyer interested as well, he just left Toronto to come see the bike in person and sounds very interested. Funny he didn't mention the title thing, he's probably as clueless as me about the whole thingimage


    again guys, I appreciate the responses
  • billwaltonsbeardbillwaltonsbeard Posts: 3,748 ✭✭✭✭
    image
    My cards on COMC
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