Hi all,
Have a potential guitar purchase rendezvous in the pipeline in a faraway city where the seller will meet me as a halfway point for either of us. Lacking a car myself so am always restricted in mobility, meaning this arrangement is the best we can come up with.
On this note, was wondering if experienced punters can part with some common sense and tips on how best to handle such transactions that occur in public spaces, as its not occurring in the safe havens of a private home or dedicated store. Particularly with the paranoia of prying eyes involving high value works and a wad of cash, how's the best way of doing it discreetly, effectively, and also be able to thoroughly check over the goods and cash amount before parting ways again.
Be great to pool ideas such as ideal locations and etiquettes in cities/towns etc.
And maybe even cautionary tales and anecdotes would spice up the thread also.
All the best and have a good weekend all,
Comments
Once a grizzled old hippy busker came to collect a guitar at my office, I don't think the receptionists were too impressed but he was a nice bloke.
I've done other deals;
- Outside railway/tube stations
- In pubs
- Service station carparks
- Supermarket carparks
- MacDonalds carparks (which is the closest I'll ever get to eating any of their "food")
Mostly it's been with people here who are - or were - generally completely trustworthy. I'd always be wary of noobs here who have no track record - same as I'd be with eBayists who have zero feedback. Actually, most any eBayists nowadays.If large amounts of cash are changing hands, count it out of sight to avoid tempting any passing scumbags (you may be within CCTV range, but do you think anyone will care?). Generally though, PayPal seems to be the method of choice, and that only takes a few minutes between one person pressing "pay" and the other person receiving the "you've got funds" email.
You can be as careful as you like, but if the other person wants to scam you in someway, they'll find a way to do it. Wherever you do the deal.
Staff at roadside cafes and motorway services probably see this sort of thing every day of the week. Unless they see firearms or bagged up controlled substances, they will take no notice whatsoever.
The average citizen will have no idea what the guitar(s) being traded are worth. Neither will they have any idea how much money is about to be handed over.
Make the transaction the last thing you do before departing. Eat, drink, use the toilet or smoke BEFORE anyone catches sight of your gear or wallet. After that moment, do not leave your vehicle unattended.
Only worry if strangers are running towards you and your vehicle - especially if they sport dark blue uniforms, truncheons and tasers.
The McD transaction turned into quite a long music-related chat over lunch, and on leaving I realised I had somewhat overstayed the site's parking limit. Fortunately there were no ANPR cameras and I got away with it, but something to be aware of.
Southampton Train Station
Red Funnel ferry terminal
Bournemouth train Station
Portsmouth Harbour Train station
Lymington Ferry Terminal
All deals went smoothly , with no car ( on my part ) , met some really great people too.
Ive always taken cash , but in public places, it's never been a real issue .
Transport hubs seem to work best for me .
Her crime was she had picked up some blood worm (and handed over cash) for her husband's fishing tackle shop.
Good to know they are keeping an eye out though: )
Bank transfer seems cool but doesn't always work instantly - fancy sitting in someone's house for two hours waiting for the money you've just paid to appear?
Cash or PayPal when you meet - or tbh, if I know a member I've got no probs with bank transfer before meeting or posting.