CYA - On Line Purchases through Private Parties
I purchase through online classifieds from time to time and my biggest concern is knowing that the seller is legitimate and that the transaction is processed smoothly for each party. There are unscrupulous people out there that are liars and cheats that want to make off with your hard earned money, and the internet is a hot bed for these "Characters." I have put together a very simple letter of agreement that I submit when buying or selling through online public classifieds, this is a CYA approach that vets people through selling of stolen goods, committing internet fraud, and documentation in case you ever are put into a position to go to court.
Use PAY PAL https://www.paypal.com/ if the buyer or seller refuses to use paypal I walk away from the deal. Never send Money Orders, Personal Checks, or credit cards for private transactions. It takes 5 minutes to setup a paypal account and paypal verifies that the funds are available.
I also write a letter of agreement or an “Invoice” if I am the buyer or the seller, if the person refuses; WALK AWAY
The letter of agreement or invoice needs to state the details of the transaction. Detail your information, legal first and last name and address, detail their information first and last name and address. List the the items being purchased with a description of what is expected and condition of the product being purchased or sold (ie carpet rash, good working order, New In Box) the amount paid, and the delivery time frame.
Then email it to the seller and request that they acknowledge or agree with Letter of Agreement.
This way if I ever do get burned I can go to court with ample evidence to get my money back, and file charges. It takes just minutes to plug in the information but it protects both the buyer and the seller from internet fraud.
Letter of Agreement - Sample
Date:
To Mr. XXXXX
This letter is an agreement of purchase between XXXX(seller) and XXXX(purchaser) for one 4 Blade Renegade Propeller 13.5x25P, slightly used, hubbed for a Johnson Lower Unit, that does not include a thrust washer. Purchaser agrees to pay seller the total amount due of $XXX.XX, which includes shipping.
Once payment has been received through Pay-pal the seller agrees to provide the purchaser a tracking number or shipment verification, of the propeller, shipment is expected to be received within 10 business days.
©Jonathan M Ashcraft http://fishingasarookie.blogspot.com/
