Advice Wanted: Purchase Protection for 2nd Hand Goods via Facebook Marketplace

Hey Ozbargains,

I'm in need of some advice.

I'm purchasing a TV from a seller via Facebook Marketplace, though given border restrictions I am unable to go and pick it up and so am having it delivered via an Airtasker courier instead. Unfortunately, this means I am unable to inspect the goods prior to delivery, and incidentally will be paying for the good whilst completely blind as to the item's quality - or whether it send it at all for that matter (though I imagine my Airtasker courier can do a bit of an inspection and ensure the item is at least picked up).

Just wondering whether anyone has any recommendations as to how I can pay for this item whilst retaining a bit of security?

Thanks!

Edit: bit of further context - it's a $1700 unit going for $500, so at that price am pretty prepared to take the gamble; a $500 loss would be a pain, but wouldn't be devastating. I may try and angle paying $300 now, $200 upon delivery, and/or have my courier verify its sound before purchase (will have to pay my courier regardless, but if it's shit that way I'll only be $100 out of pocket). Thus far seller has been very receptive and accommodating, and has sent me plenty of photos and video, so for what little it's worth they have enstilled me with some confidence at least.

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Comments

  • +6

    No way id risk it. Cash and inspection first.

  • You can't - you are taking a big risk on the seller's honesty. Mind you, if the price is extremely good it may be worth that risk.

  • I'd say there is no security. The TV is not new nor is it coming form or being handled by any company you can complain to, to have the matter resolved to your satisfaction.

    I'm not sure what the cost / details of the TV are, and my only word of caution is that you might end up paying more for a TV as a result. Eg. You pay for the TV and courier and it's still broken, such that you end up buying another TV - you're potentially paying twice for a TV.

    The above commentary is made, again, not knowing the details of the TV or your financial situation with respect to running the risks etc.

  • Don't do it

  • +2

    Do it. It's pretty low risk.

    PS: I'll go get my popcorn ready….

  • if your want Purchase Protection, buy new.

    Not even the retainers take any responsibly for TV once they leave their store ( if you opt to take it home yourself). Good guys make you sign a waiver.

  • +1

    $1700 for $500 lol, greed will be your downfall, no comebacks on FB or GT anyway.

  • Lol

  • +3

    Just as a heads up
    If you cant cross the border neither can an AirTasker driver as they are not a recognised courier service.

  • " $1700 unit going for $500"

    if squack like a duck, then it must be a? dud…. i mean…. scam….

  • get bikies to collect

    you pay $500 for tv and pay $1000 to the bikes (the bikies may take the whole 1500 and bash the seller but hey not your concern)

    still cheaper than 1700 and veryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy safe

  • +2

    Next…Advice wanted: Purchased a 2nd hand TV for $500 without inspecting but its not working - how can I get my money back?

    • +3

      True, except advice would be written as advise

  • +3

    this is like watching a train wreck in slow motion. The only person who can't see it is the OP.

  • +1

    Have a video call with the seller and ask him to show you the TV is perfect working order. If he agrees then buy it.
    If I was the seller I would understand the anxiety and have a video call.

    • Yeah, that's my intention. The courier I'm using has also consented to being the middleman, so should I go through with this I'll be giving them the $500 plus their courier fee, and should they deem the item inadequate they'll refund me the $500.

      Still reliant on the Courier being honest, but I trust the courier company with a proven record and reputation to uphold far more than I do a random marketplace seller.

      • I might ask the courier guy to give me a call when he collects and have a him check the things I am concerned about.

        • Oh absolutely. Whilst I have yet to commit, I've explained my situation to the courier and told them what to look for (i.e. confirm model number, check that it turns on and runs soundly for a minute or two, observe picture quality, etc.).

          • @NipVikingSando: Since you are happy to risk $500.Take all the precautions you can, if TV is still defective then its just bad luck and a bad seller. Learn the lesson and move on. Otherwise, you are lucky get an awesome deal.
            I personally would not done it because $500 is more dear to me.

  • Not worth it. Dont do it.

  • Why bother ?
    Good luck, you will learn a hard lesson!!

  • +2

    did you ask yourself "why would a $1700 TV be sold for $500?"

  • Make sure the courier takes HDMI, VGA, USB, display port cables and headphones to test all the ports!
    Then ask the seller to move the TV to a dark room for the courier to check the light bleed, preferably with some 4K content.
    Don’t ask questions if you never hear from the courier again :)

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