What's the safest form of payment

[Hammerhead]

I'm selling some rims and tires and this guy in Germany wants to buy them. He said that he can do any form of payment. What's the safest form of payment? I don't want to get burned.
Here's what he wrote:

my adress is Wolfgang Lingott, D-49565 Bramsche, Alfhausener Strasse 24a, Germany. If you have the complete price include shipping, i can send you the money via money transfer like western union or paypal or whatever you prefaire. If you have any idea in which way you want the money, tell me. Tomorrow i contact one of our shipping companys here in Bremen. May they have office into the states. I inform you latest tomorrow evening. Thanks for your answer. May i can do anything for you in future.

 

[FleshLight]

Western Union

 

[FrozenCanadian]

The safest form of payment would be cash face to face with a reciept. But that doesn't help you. I'd say a money order or as he said a western union transfer.

 

[Gunslinger08]

Seems like a decent guy. Western Union would be fine.. just pretty expensive for him to send.

 

[Krazefinn]

It might just be poor ingrish, but "i contact one of our shipping co's" line sounds mighty familiar....WU checks known to be forged, I'd wait until it clears completely before sending rims or spending money...besides YOU do the shipping...

Somethings not right about this deal....

 

[aphex]

I can't imagine what the shipping must be....

Shipping a 3-5lb box via UPS from the US -> Netherlands in 2002 was over $50, i want to say around $75.

 

[Gunslinger08]

Originally posted by: Krazefinn
It might just be poor ingrish, but "i contact one of our shipping co's" line sounds mighty familiar....WU checks known to be forged, I'd wait until it clears completely before sending rims or spending money...besides YOU do the shipping...

Somethings not right about this deal....

He's doing a money transfer, not a money order.

 

[Hammerhead]

So, there's no way he can scam me with a Western Union payment? Does it come in the form of a check? I've never received a Western Union payment.

 

[Gunslinger08]

Originally posted by: Hammerhead
So, there's no way he can scam me with a Western Union payment? Does it come in the form of a check? I've never received a Western Union payment.

If he does a wire transfer, you'll just have to go to a WU location to pick up a check from them. They print it out and you cash it/deposit it. Some places will cash it for you if it's under a certain value. There's no scam in it.

 

[Atheus]

Originally posted by: Krazefinn
It might just be poor ingrish, but "i contact one of our shipping co's" line sounds mighty familiar....WU checks known to be forged, I'd wait until it clears completely before sending rims or spending money...besides YOU do the shipping...

Somethings not right about this deal....

I dunno, sounds like he learned English in high school, can't assume he's a scammer.

What rims btw? Must be from an American car to justify shipping all that way.

 

[Krazefinn]

No, not assuming anything, just why would he need to contact "some of our shippers here in Bremen?" After all, YOU will do the shipping...he can't even get a quote without the size, wt of package, or your point of shipping.
Just doesnt seem right somehow.

Agreed, havent heard of direct wire of money being suspect...yet. As opposed to a check...
just keep eyes peeled...

 

[Hammerhead]

Originally posted by: Atheus
I dunno, sounds like he learned English in high school, can't assume he's a scammer.

What rims btw? Must be from an American car to justify shipping all that way.

They're 20" chrome rims with tires for the Chevy Trailblazer.

So I should tell him that I'll accept WU money transfer, right?

 

[Gunslinger08]

Originally posted by: Hammerhead

Originally posted by: Atheus
I dunno, sounds like he learned English in high school, can't assume he's a scammer.

What rims btw? Must be from an American car to justify shipping all that way.

They're 20" chrome rims with tires for the Chevy Trailblazer.

So I should tell him that I'll accept WU money transfer, right?

Yes, exactly what he said in his email to you.

 

[Hammerhead]

Thanks!

 

[Gunslinger08]

Originally posted by: Hammerhead
Thanks!

Just make sure you have a WU location near you.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Originally posted by: Krazefinn
No, not assuming anything, just why would he need to contact "some of our shippers here in Bremen?" After all, YOU will do the shipping...he can't even get a quote without the size, wt of package, or your point of shipping.
Just doesnt seem right somehow.

Agreed, havent heard of direct wire of money being suspect...yet. As opposed to a check...
just keep eyes peeled...

The person in Germany may be trying to find out how it can be shipped as an alternative.

As long as you have the final cash in hand; you are safe.

It may be possible for him to have the shipping company acting as an escrow agent to cover both sides of the house.

See what is response is to the payment options and also find out what the cost of shipping will be if you initiate it.

 

[Hammerhead]

Originally posted by: joshsquall

Originally posted by: Hammerhead
Thanks!

Just make sure you have a WU location near you.

I just checked and the ones within minutes of my house are at drug stores and grocery stores.