What's the best method for buying parts from FBBO members?

[themechanic]

I want to buy a part without getting cheated. Is there a sure fire method of making a deal? Or, is there always an element of trust involved?

A new member of FBBO wants me to buy from him but I don't know him and his trader score of zero is not encouraging. But, he is the only one who has the part you've been looking for a long time.

What would you do?

 

[WP29440SE]

go with your gut. I have , I do , I just did the same thing. out of 100 plus transactions here and other sites , I have never been burned , and , I send cash through the mail. its always a crap shoot , but its the chance I take, so far , so good.

for me, communication is everything. I have passed on parts based soley on the way things were worded or lack of responses to my inquiries.

 

[Chargerjase]

I have purchased some parts from other members on this site and all my experiences have been great. The members on here are good Mopar people, so I doubt you will have an issue.

 

[tallhair]

I have bought several things here and sold a couple. Most don't wind up on the ratings. You have been here for quite a while and the regulars would never cheat you.

I like to see what I'm buying so I always ask for pictures, and if necessary more pictures until I feel comfortable that I know what I'm getting, and i like to talk to people I buy from so I call.

Last thing if i have to send several emails to get my questions answered I would get shaky and give it up as i have.

i.e. If I ask several specific questions and I have to keep sending emails and getting 1 to 4 word responses w/o all the questions answered so I feel comfortable with what I'm buying it is a bad sign for me.

 

[Herr_Poopschitz]

I like to see what I'm buying so I always ask for pictures, and if necessary more pictures until I feel comfortable that I know what I'm getting, and i like to talk to people I buy from so I call.

Last thing if i have to send several emails to get my questions answered I would get shaky and give it up as i have.

i.e. If I ask several specific questions and I have to keep sending emails and getting 1 to 4 word responses w/o all the questions answered so I feel comfortable with what I'm buying it is a bad sign for me.

This is good advice.

I've sold one thing here, and that was cuz someone was asking about it in a thread, and I happened to have it lying around since I had changed directions on my car. Back and forth on PM's a few times, got each other's phone #'s...called, gave pics. Paypal'd me $...good experience for both of us.

 

[kiwigtx]

I've had great experiences, and I live in another time zone. Most people don't want to deal with outsiders, but making yourself known to people helps to break the ice, and gain valuable trust.
I personally tread warily with people who magically join up when you are wanting something and they have it...but that's just me.

 

[NJRR]

I made 2 purchases from members on here. Both went smooth as pie. Take Tallhair's advice and you should be good.

 

[peter j]

I have had great luck with a number of purchases on this site. Go with your feeling on the individual. my 2 cents

 

[5.7 hemi]

I have bought some stuff from our members, no problems, sold stuff to them, no problems. Also since I have started redoing grilles, I make it a pont not to accept any kind of down payment, send pics as Im going along, talk to them, and keep them informed. I do this cause it makes it somewhat easier to trust me with their stuff.....although, sending some high dollar parts across the US to a guy ya never met has to be nerve racking.

 

[MoparMitch]

I have both bought and sold on this forum without issue. Communication is the KEY!!!

 

[HT413]

I have bought numerous times from members here as well as other mopar sites, ebay, ebay classifieds, used items on amazon and Craig's list. Like said above, go with your gut. I have yet to be cheated.

 

[hunt2elk]

I've bought and sold quite a few things on here, dodgecharger.com, and moparts. Never had a problem on the first 2, but I did get burned buying a piece of crap heater box from an *** clown over on moparts :angryfire:. Communication is important like previously stated, and I think as a buyer you would have more protection using a credit card through paypal.

 

[wedge69]

All good info here. As stated get pics and info.

 

[69redrunner]

Made several purchases with no issues.

Perhaps you could find a forum regular that is in the sellers area that would pick it up and ship it to you. Many have offered to do this in the offer my services thread.

 

[mr. b]

i have bought and sold to members from this site and from fabo never had problem

 

[Bruzilla]

The only thing I would mention is remember that a lot of the folks selling on this forum are not in the business of selling parts. They don't check the site a dozen times day looking for responses to posts, they don't have a regular UPS guy coming by every day to pick up shipments, etc., so don't be surprised if you ask for more information about something and you don't get a reply for a while, or that it takes longer to get an item than it would from a business.

 

[super-bee_ski]

I've bought dozens of parts from FBBO Forum members.
Each one a great experience.

 

[b-star69]

i have bought stuff and sold stuff. some that i have dealt with aren't hear any more. you my friend are the only one to tag my trader score.the only ones I've had a problem with is the ones that i didn't trade with! trust is all you can do...

 

[Budnicks]

I want to buy a part without getting cheated. Is there a sure fire method of making a deal? Or, is there always an element of trust involved?

A new member of FBBO wants me to buy from him but I don't know him and his trader score of zero is not encouraging. But, he is the only one who has the part you've been looking for a long time.

What would you do?

I have sold to a bunch of guys on here & I have no trader score at all, I generally don't list any parts for sale, sometimes just comment on I have one if someone needs it, type deal... I wouldn't necessarily go by that trader score... I'd say PM the guy/gal get his home address & his home phone #, his e-mail address, real tangible connections & check them, make sure he's/she's who he/she says, best way is to build a relationship of trust with the guy/gal, get to know him/her or don't buy from him, if you don't know or trust them, if they won't willingly send you photos or all the information I stated I would just walk away & not even deal with them.... at some point you need to have some kind of trust, or a reason to trust a seller or buyer, or just walk away & not buy or sell... Just my opinion

 

[tallhair]

The only thing I would mention is remember that a lot of the folks selling on this forum are not in the business of selling parts. They don't check the site a dozen times day looking for responses to posts, they don't have a regular UPS guy coming by every day to pick up shipments, etc., so don't be surprised if you ask for more information about something and you don't get a reply for a while, or that it takes longer to get an item than it would from a business.

The regulars I think check their ads quite often and everyone I've dealt with has gotten back with me quickly the folks who are ONLY here to sell could be either way. Best bet is to PM them so they get an email as they may not be here everyday.

I check my ads and try to be very prompt it getting back to someone but almost no body want's my junk so its not too taxing on me LOL