I'm in the process of purchasing an engine from a guy in Texas (I live in California).  He asked me to send him money via Western Union, and to specify that  they weren't to deliver the payment til they'd received a tracking number.

Well, I talked to Western Union and they don't do that sort of thing.  Once I send the money, it's available to him and there's no way for me to get it back, period.  They don't hold payments for any reason...  so, that's out.

I've spoken with him on the phone, and he seems nice enough, but it's also a lot of money and I can't really risk it on a hunch.  I'm sure he feels the same way.

I suggested sending it COD, but he doesn't want to have to wait til Fedex gets around to sending him a check.  I can understand that.  There's also an escrow service like escrow.com, but that's a little expensive, and neither of us has any experience with using them.

I know some of you have bought large items from private sellers over the net before.  How have you done it so nobody's at risk of being scammed?

Yup ... scammo ... use escrow.com ... not some dumbass one he suggests ... reputed escrow service ...
Cool.
Srinath.

The anguish you would feel over losing all your money will be far less than the anguish you would feel over losing a good deal because of not working out the payment details.

If in doubt, don't. It is simple. If this guy is legit, he will make himself known here or on a big venue like ebay. Villages, raising children and all that rot.

Some people have moved away from PayPal due to charges. I still use them because I usually have very little or nothing in the things I sell on ebay. There has got to be an engine somewhere in CA you can touch and feel. Some of the "shops" around here in SC are little more than IRS or ATF raids waiting to happen. Try Cycle Trader or something similar for CA  and see if a damaged bike is on the block.

I would suggest Fremont Cycle Salvage. And, maybe BayAreaRidersForum.com

And, Craigslist.org

Shops ... Ha ...
I wanted a cylinder head for a savage ... a used one, not rebuilt or even worked on ... stock pulled off a bike that was supposedly running ... guess how much ... someone ... anyone ... OK ...
$550 ... I laughed and hung up ... Rebuilding mine is ~ $200 ... but its rebuilt ... with new valves and seals and seats machined and extra preloaded springs possibly ... There is one on ebay for $15 ...
Cool.
Srinath.

What about sending a partial payment and when you get the engine, if it is as warranted, send him the rest?  That way, if you get screwed, it'll be a quickie.

Quote from: seshadri_srinathShops ... Ha ...
I wanted a cylinder head for a savage ... a used one, not rebuilt or even worked on ... stock pulled off a bike that was supposedly running ... guess how much ... someone ... anyone ... OK ...
$550 ... I laughed and hung up ... Rebuilding mine is ~ $200 ... but its rebuilt ... with new valves and seals and seats machined and extra preloaded springs possibly ... There is one on ebay for $15 ...
Cool.
Srinath.

Aurora Suzuki here in Seattle wanted $250 to rejet my carbs.  

Anyone here want your carbs jetted?  I'll do it for 200 that will include shipping both ways.   :lol:

Yea me too ... rejet and shipping $200 ... OK I'll also replace bolts in the carbs ... and synch etc ... yup ...
Cool.
Srinath.

where in Texas? maybe another GStwin person could help you out...

Thanks for all the info!  I'm not sure how we're going to do it yet, but I'll report back when I know.

callmelenny: it's in New Caney, TX, which is apparently a little town somewhere near Houston.

Quote from: raindriftThanks for all the info!  I'm not sure how we're going to do it yet, but I'll report back when I know.

callmelenny: it's in New Caney, TX, which is apparently a little town somewhere near Houston.

That is good ways from me, otherwise I would offer to go see the guy. Sorry

Oh well.  Thanks for the offer, though!  

speaking of lond distance sellers,  I heard some stuff about that Srinath guy....... :mrgreen:

yeah.....me tooo      

Oh yea ... I got your long distance right here ...  :x  :x  ...
Cool.
Srinath.

 You Do? Where?  :dunno:



Oh, there it is  nope lost it  :x

i dont know, think your   'n

the Srinath special;  a twin jet carb kit for 01+ only 59.95  +shipping  no returns and no local sales. instalation extra. +tax, tags and title. :mrgreen:  :mrgreen:

Hello guys,
as a registered member of the GSTWIN PAGE I have sent numbers of postings to several people to help me get my pics up to sell these parts to all who would need them!!!

So far no answers!

I did send a item payment by western union last year and they aquired the tracking # before i got paid, but found out they no longer support that.

I offered to just send the motor to Raindrift, and then he send me the money to me, but he did not want me to feel like I was geeting a shaft! I thank him for that.

Still trying to get it to him by airfreight this week.

Hey Larry where do you live in Texas?

Quote from: josh28

Hey Larry where do you live in Texas?

I'm in Georgetown, North of Austin.

PM me if you want to discuss further

Why not just ship it by UPS COD.  You can request bank check/certified funds AND it costs only $5 more to send a package COD.  That way both people are safe and covered.  It takes the sender an extra week or so before he gets the money, but I think it's worth the wait.

You can write on the top of the box in marker that it is OK for the recipient to inspect the contents of the package -usually the driver will allow the person to open it up and give it a quick looky if he's a good guy.