A Few Buying Tips and Common-Sense Precautions for Online Automotive Purchases
PURCHASING
- Get everything, get it all, in writing and in photographs.
- Because you are about to make an investment and or spend a lot of money, we advise and strongly encourage you to have the vehicle, part or product inspected before making a purchase. If you are unable to inspect the vehicle yourself, we suggest using a professional appraiser, a member of your car club or someone you trust.
- When it comes to the final buying decision, completely read and understand the entire content of the listing before you make a purchase decision. If you have any questions about anything in the listing, get those questions answered before buying. This includes but is not limited to: the vehicle, its history or provenance, the financial arrangements, warranty (if any) and shipping, etc.
- When it comes to making a deposit, communication with the seller is key. Once again if you have any questions, it is in your best interest to have your questions answered prior to buying. Some examples include but are not limited to:
- Discuss and clarify what will happen if the vehicle, part or product is received and it is not to the buyer’s satisfaction or it does not fit the seller’s description
- Discuss and clarify if the item will be returned for a full refund
- Discuss and clarify what the time limit/window for inspection and return is
- Discuss and clarify who will pay for return shipping
- Discuss if there is a time/trouble or restocking fee
PAYING
There are some common-sense steps that should be taken before you send money to people or companies for a vehicle, part, or product you have not seen in person:
- Be informed and gather information about the person or company you are doing business with. Do you know anyone firsthand or do you know someone in a car club or association who can inform you about the individual or company?
- Ask for references. Ask the seller for names of other customers or other vendors who know and can vouch for him/her. You can also check a sellers record/satisfaction scores on the different sites they sell on. It is a long shot, but you can check with the local authorities like the police or the seller’s local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau.
- Hire an inspector or a licensed appraiser. For peace of mind you may want to consider hiring someone with expertise and or experience to evaluate your purchase. Automotive appraisers are licensed experts and a good source for this. Most will provide you with a written report of their findings. If you cannot find a licensed appraiser close by, you might consider reaching out to a local mechanic or a car club with knowledge and expertise on the vehicle of interest. Please keep in mind however if an appraisal is informal and not conducted by a licensed appraiser there is no recourse after the purchase is complete.
- People selling vehicles and automotive parts are often car club members. They are also likely to sell their goods at local swap meets, car show or open-air markets. Ask the seller about these types of affiliations. You can see if they will be at an upcoming event and possibly meet the vendor there.
- Ask open-ended as well as specific questions about the vehicle, part, or product you are interested in. Ask question that can generate a conversation with the seller, this way you can also get a feel for the seller as well as the item.
- Photographs are an important part of the buying/selling process. Do not put yourself out by dealing with someone who is not able to provide you photos of the parts or car you are looking for. Even worse, a seller who refuses to show you clear photos of the vehicle or item(s) prior to payment.
- Be guarded and careful of a seller who is pushing for or is requesting immediate payment or payment to a third party or third-party location.
- Be aware of payment security options. If you feel uncomfortable sending money (in any form) to an unfamiliar person(s) it is strongly recommend you use an escrow service. Escrow services can be used for both small and large amounts of money and are easily found online. Each escrow service may differ slightly so once again do you research and find a company you are comfortable with.
- Once again, and I know we have all heard this before, if it sounds too good to be true it probably is.
It is of the utmost importance to all of us at Avid Autos and even more important to the Avid Auto community that we learn of, expose and take immediate and forceful action against the fraudulent activity of any and all unscrupulous or dishonest buyers, sellers or service providers. If you have personally experienced a problem with a transaction with an Avid Autos member, please let us know.
If you have knowledge of fraudulent activity or if you have a complaint about a member, please send us an email that includes as much identifying information as you can. For example, subscriber information, listing number, transaction date, the type of vehicle or product listed or purchased, listing outcome, etc.
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