johndoe

Okay heres the situation.

I agreed with a seller in mtbreview.com classified ads for a bike.
Now he wants me to pay in money order.
there are no protection on my end what so ever.
If the guy decides to jerk me, what can i do.

KleinMp99

John, this is how I always accept payments, by having the person send a money order. I think money orders have some kind of protection, but I dont remember. What I always say is....since you sent him a money order, you've got his address. If you get jerked then literelly drive to his house, and get the police or whatever. By the way....what bike are you getting from the guy?

Guillermo

I used to think this a comfort, but a friend recently did it to still get ripped, but ask for the guy's phone number, call him and speak with him in person. Ask him even for his work info, so you know you can track him down if you need to. If he sounds reasonable in person, and you're comfortable, then go for it!

johndoe

The Drive to ones house with a baseball bat just won't do. the guys in canada i believe.

I told him i will send a check instead, now would a check provide better protection against a scam.

johndoe

Kleinmp99,

Hey i just saw you jamis dakar that you are selling. Looks real good. If you still have it a month from now I might work something out with you.

i am currently shopping for 2 bikes.

What does clipless mean,

thanks and feel free to pm me.

Also can some one here help me install the bike, or would i have to bring the bike to a dealer.

KleinMp99

Clipless means you have shoes with cleats on them that clip onto the pedals. If the guy knows how to pack and ship a bike, it should come with the front wheel off, and the stem off with everything attached next to the bike. All you have to do it pull the bike out, put the front wheel on and put the stem on and its ready to ride. You might have to put air in the tires too.

thbirks

Whatever you need to do to feel comfortable with this seller, do it before you send a money order, or don't go through with the deal. To my understanding, a money order is the same as cash.

I've purchased a frame through the classifieds at MTBR and had no problem. I sent a cashiers check and then the guy shipped the frame. I could have easily gotten burned but things worked out fine. I also purchased my singlespeed from an ad on MTBR but I was able to pick it up in person. The nearby location of the seller was a big selling point of this particular bike.

roadbuzz

Using a check offers no protection, it just slows things down. The seller will want to wait for the check to clear before he sends the bike to make sure you aren't scamming him.

You either have to trust each other, set up some kind of escrow deal with a third party, or use COD.

Guillermo

Escrow or COD are good ideas. Regarding a check, if he cashes it, it will be returned to you, so you would have proof that you paid him and he accepted payment. I don't know how this would help you though :confused:

johndoe

Well i have bought stuff with my citibank credit card. The company went out of business didn't send the merchandise but still decided to charge me.

I called up my bank and the reversed the charges.

Doesn't the bank offer that same type of protection with checks

Guillermo

I don't think so, cuz once they've cashed it, the money's gone, ya know?