H2

Despite the trite name, I would suggest reviewing what can be found on http://www.nopaypal.com/ to learn more about PayPal if you have questions from "the other side." If I remember correctly, PayPal is often criticized for offering financial services without being regulated under the banking industry laws. If true that may be a concern and introduce a new level of risk. If you know more on this, I'd like to hear.

I ordered a $750 item once off eBay and paid via PayPal, never ever got delivery, but was only able to recoup $175. I'd not read the fine print and had the mistaken belief that ordering via that route was quite safe. Not so. There are so many frauds working the system that it's dangerous any more. Kinda like Spam...lots of people are figuring ways around the system. Also, I was never able to speak or email a "live" eBay or PayPal person in all of this. They must have so many complaints of fraud that the answers are automated. That's all I got.

The other week, I bought a "Porsche Lic. Plate Frame" for my 968 and when it arrived, it didn't appear too bad, albeit definitely not great quality...but the bidding didn't go high so I kept it. It looked nice at a distance. About 2 weeks later the O fell off out of the P RSCHE, somewhere just outside of Resume Speed, Idaho. Not worth griping about (unless one of you Rennlisters is selling these POS).

I once bought about $350 in used 928 parts from a distinguished Rennlister (thinking that would be safe) and some of the parts were worn out and had to be tossed (I didn't insist on close-up fotos, my bad). I never said anything since return postage on heavy bulky stuff is an issue, the guy appears to be pretty gruff, a lot of you apparently like and trust him, I did use some of the parts, therefore I gave him the doubt of being ignorant of the part's condition, and I assume personal blame for not checking the condition out better. Nobody's perfect, but I won't order from him again. Nor will I divulge his name although you might say that part of his name appears to start with *hit.

On the other hand, I've ordered and received several thousand dollars of eBay 928/968 parts that were represented correctly and I'm totally satisfied. However, there are so many rip-off Porsche parts guys on eBay, anymore, I almost always buy my parts from established and trusted P-parts places now (you can buy many parts cheaper direct from trusted companies than from eBay's starting price! Check first! They keep advertising so I'm guessing lots of suckers keep them in business. From trusted companies, at least you know you'll get what you order, the parts will be good, and returning parts is almost never a hassle from established outlets. The only car I bought on eBay was heavily misrepresented but the seller and I were able to work that out (and certainly not amicably...but no one was hurt.

My point is, being careful isn't always enough. PayPal/eBay certainly is risky...but I keep using it...but I'm way more careful than in the past. Being trusting of a frequent Rennlist poster doesn't always work either (but it's better).

Buying from trusted P-parts companies and individuals you have come to know and trust is almost always good. Buying from eBay and paying via PayPal is akin to gambling.

Harvey

Mark

I support 928Spec, 928Intl and my local wrench....

I have bought a number of P-car related items on eBay (including my '85 EURO!), and so far (KNOCK ON WOOD) have not had a problem!

YMMV!!!!!!

H2

"I support 928Spec, 928Intl"

Me too, almost totally now...but I have no local wrench. Has to be me. 928 International and 928 Specialists have experts on the other end of the line who really don't mind helping walk me through a problem. That's worth money. I have two orders on the way from them right now.

Harvey

checkmate1996

I do all four...I guess you just have to do your research...although I have been burnt by not doing enough and I have learned that lesson early....just hopefully not again...

Bill Ball

I support the 928 specialty vendors. However, I buy and sell all kinds of stuff via eBay and PayPal, including my 89 S4. In over 6 years I have yet to be burned by either. If you take the time to understand eBay and how to spot fraud, which is not always obvious, you can do as well as I have.

I have no more fear of eBay or PayPal than I have of using my credit card at a restaurant or department store. The benefits of the worldwide market eBay has literally created far outweigh the hazards, and if you follow some basic guidelines for establishing with whom you are doing business, the hazards are minimal.

pewter82

I have used the big 3 and also German Auto Dismantlers...and the first time I used a private individual I got scammed! Never again.

jason

John Veninger

Should add from a Rennlist member.

Shark Attack

in this order:

local Autozone/discount autoparts/napa or other
Local foriegn parts store
My closest 928 place
the other 928 place across the Country.
Ebay only if i can save more than 25% on new part
Junk Yard if i can find it at a reasonable price no where else. last resort

but i recently didnt practice these rules. I could have saved about 33% on an altinator at a local autozone. But she was so helpful at my #3 choice i bought it from her.

SteveG

Unless there is a BIG difference in price I support the 928spec and Intl. They can give expert advice and have done so when I was on the road . . . priceless.

marton

I have tried all the options.

In my experience the big 4 are pretty reliable but for me the transport costs to Europe are pretty high.

http://www.rockauto.com/ are very good the way that they handle transport costs to Europe, they have a cool site where you can try out different shipment options and different combinations of parts to get the best transport deal _ just to be clear, I buy Mustang parts from them, not 928.

ebay/paypal are OK; no problems so far. Best deal to date was a used GT 5sp gearbox with psd for 500 bucks.

never bought from a fellow rennlister

Marton

deliriousga

Ditto.

fbarnhill

I use all four. I bought my 79 Euro on ebay and paid with paypal using the sellers computer when i picked up the car. I too have never had any problems with either. I do like to support our vendors because i can't imagine a day when they are not around.

Frank Barnhill,
79 Euro

M Danger

i havent read this whole thread, but I sell on ebay, and FWIW I do not accept paypal anymore, Paypal has 3500 of mine they will not release, and i am having to sue them to get it back.
I have been screwed as both a buyer and a seller, I now have a merchant account, to avoid the paypal crap.

Just remeber Paypal IS NOT A BANK, and they do not have to follow bank rules.
you may not have been burned yet, but when you do, youll find out what a PITA is it to fix, if you even can.
but heres just a couple of tips, ALWAYS pay with a credit card, NEVER leave a balance in paypal. IF you recieve junk, TELL PAYPAL you didnt get anything, or you are SCREWED

Nicole

My expereiences with ebay and PayPal are mostly possible. In fact, never had any problem with PayPal, but a few stubborn ebay sellers overseas who triedi to charge unnecessarily lhigh shipping cost (usually lbecause they were misinformed). But I agree with Bill that you have to be very careful and not just trust by default.

As a seller I appreciate every order I get from you guys - whether it's directly through my store or through ebay. I am proud of my posistive feedback on ebay, and hope that if I ever make a mistake, people will let me know in time so I can make it right.

I currently take payments trhough PayPal, as well as check. money orders, cash - but I don't have full credit card processing capability ($$$ to set-up). I've been wondering how important this is to you guys. Any comments?

fbarnhill

Nicole,
That is one positive of paypal. As long as you accept it, we can use what ever method we like to pay you. I wish a lot more merchants would accept it. If you are careful and change your password at regualr intervals and use passwords that include bot alphan and numeric letters plus upper and lower case, the chances of someone figuring it out are much smaller. Nicole, i hope to make some purchases from you soon after i finish the tb/wp job at the end of the month
Frank Barnhill
79 Euro