Ebay Advice Please need to pay for item today

[Jeff in IL]

What is the name of your state? IL

I would appreciate your advice before I pay for an item on Ebay. The seller is requiring payment via cashiers check for a large item that he is shipping at his expense. The item is over $1,500 and he does not have any history with Ebay.

Do I have any protection if I send a check? If the item does not show up or it is not as advertised, what can I do about it after the certified check is sent?

Please post as payment has to be sent today. Thank you in advance.

 

[cmorris]

I wouldn't do it. But then, I wouldn't have bid on an item from someone like that.

 

[divgradcurl]

Do I have any protection if I send a check? If the item does not show up or it is not as advertised, what can I do about it after the certified check is sent?

If the other party fails to send the item, the only "protection" you have really is to go to wherever the seller lives and sue them in small claims court. If the seller also lives in your state, that may not be such an issue -- but if the seller is across the country, or worse in another country, well...

If you really want the item and want some added protection, use an escrow service.

 

[djohnson]

Was this stated in the original auction? Why would you bid on it under these terms?

 

[racer72]

Use an escrow service. You send them the money and they hold it till you are satisfied with your purchase. When you are happy, the seller gets the money.

 

[john123456]

Use an escrow service. You send them the money and they hold it till you are satisfied with your purchase. When you are happy, the seller gets the money.

Make sure that escrow service is independent. In other words, not the seller's recommendation.