nesposito

How do you all handle long distance transactions? For the 2nd time I've had a verbal agreement with a seller to purchase a car, made travel arrangements, and got funds together within 24 hours only to find out the seller accepted another offer and the car is gone. There was no time to wire a deposit. What can be done differently to secure the car? I guess I have too much faith in someone's word which appraently means nothing these days.
thanks,

crochet

Do the deal through Ebay. Just get him to list it with the "buy it now price" that you agreed on and it gives you documentation of the deal and the protection that Ebay offers.

nesposito

Good thinking. It's too late on that one. He already gave it to the other buyer but that's a good way to handle the future transactions. Won't the seller object because Ebay takes a cut from his end?

its about time...

I don't know what you can do with private sellers, but when I bought my car from a dealer long distance, I gave them a deposit over the phone with my credit card.

Good Luck!

SeanR

I'd also say be prepared to send a $1000.00 deposit quickly and you won't get burned.

Frank 993 C4S

Send a $500 - $1,000 deposit and sign a Sale Agreement which is subject to a satisfactory PPI. Then do the PPI.

TexasRider

^^^^^

This.

I wish it hadnt happened to you but remember almost all sellers have been burned on buyers too. I know " I was coming with the money but the dog ate my money, or My wife said no, or Grandma needs a operation..." happens.

I am not saying YOU or I do that but it happens.

So the "first-est with the most-est" as the General says, wins. Dealers too dont kid yourself. But solid interest, with some paper work, and a deposit works best.

SiberianDVM

I used escrow.com for the ebay transaction, but I think I paid the deposit with a CC.

crochet

The ebay listing is very cheap, so most people wouldn't have a problem. Like SiverianDVM recommended use a secure way of depositing, I wouldn't give a private seller any credit card info, just escrow or paypal or the like.