• Winner! Quick Shot Challenge: What’s the dumbest shooting myth you’ve heard?

    View thread

Rifle Scopes buying a scope used from a forum member

J

jackh

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Dec 18, 2008
683
1
College Station, TX
#1
i found a steal on an IOR scope on another forum that i am strongly considering pulling the trigger on. i dont really have experience buying things from people on forums though. what is the best way to go about exchanging money and the scope? just seems like it would be awful easy for me to paypal him a grand, then him never send the scope or say it got lost in the mail...

thanks
 
#2
Re: buying a scope used from a forum member

Always Postal Money order with sig confirmation. Check feedback etc etc.

People have been getting burnt using paypal gift lately. You avoid the fee's but if they burn you its tough luck. Stay away from Paypal at all cost.
 
#3
Re: buying a scope used from a forum member

Also do a search for is handle in the FS section where the Good Guy thread is. If he has done business in the past here, he should be mentioned in there some where.
 
#4
Re: buying a scope used from a forum member

Typically, you send the money, (pay pal or MO), then he ships the purchase. You can be screwed. Shop from established sellers at forums that will join in the persecution of scumbags that prey on members. If your gut talks to you, it's best to listen.
 
#6
Re: buying a scope used from a forum member

problem is this guy is not on this forum, this is on a hunting forum im on. not sure if there are any way to check feedback on sellers on there.

i will ask if hes done business on there before and if he could refer me to the ppl he has dealt with so i could ask them is the transaction went well?

say i send him a money order and i never get the scope. what do i do then?
 
#7
Re: buying a scope used from a forum member

If you don't know the seller or anything about him, figure the amount of money you are comfortable flushing down the toilet and go for it. I haven't been burnt but have read several posts here from people that have. Is the deal too good to be true? You know what they say.

RT
 
#8
Re: buying a scope used from a forum member

Before I buy or sell on a large purchase I check out their posts on the forum. See if they are normally full of brown stuff or a straight shooter. Look for previous post where they bought or sold something. Do a Google search on their forum name. Usually people keep the same handle on several forums. Just a little research goes a long a way. Ask for the SN of the scope as well and verify that it is legit. That will help you if you have argue what scope was up for sale or in question.

Mike
 
#11
Re: buying a scope used from a forum member

Like said above, just give them a call. Their customer service was great the one time I had to deal with them.

If dealing with an IOR scope (used) you will want to make sure you get the paperwork included with the scope. According to the IOR warranty, it follows the paperwork, not the scope or owner.

Others on this forum have reported no problems with IOR taking the scope back without paperwork. Again, giving them a call or email will get you all your answers.

Mike
 
#12
Re: buying a scope used from a forum member

I personally think Postal money orders suck, cause they won't do much if you get screwed... If you go cashiers check, you can track it and have proof it was cashed by the person you sent it to....
JMHO.....
 
#15
Re: buying a scope used from a forum member

also, just saw that hes brand new to the forum. his only 2 posts are on his for sale thread. he probably just joined to post the add and sell the scope. how would i google his handle to find other forums hes on and make sure hes legit?
 
#16
Re: buying a scope used from a forum member

jackh, sometimes a steal is too good to be true. If he is new to the forum and only having two posts and what seems to be a seal i would pass on the deal. but thats just me.
 
#17
Re: buying a scope used from a forum member

Take his handle and just search for it. It will Google will find all kinds of links but you have to look through them to see if they are legit. If the guy is new then I would be concerned.

But everybody is new at some point. Its a risk regardless.

Good luck!

Mike
 
#18
Re: buying a scope used from a forum member

Do it as if you were buying a firearm from someone you don't know or trust. Ask him to take it to a local dealer that can hold o to the scope, send the money order to the dealer or the person with sig required, and then have the dealer ship when the money is received. I know I would be willing to do that extra bit if someone was willing to send me a large amount in the mail, yes it's a bit of extra work, but if they want your money, they will be willing to do this. Just a thought.
 
#19
Re: buying a scope used from a forum member

he said hes only bought a scope from a member of that forum before but he gave me the guys handle to pm him if i want. he has the scope for sale on ebay also, it closes in 2 days and the current bid is about $200 lower than what he is asking on the forum im on. he also gave me his handle on calguns.net so i could look him up and see his transactions on there. he also said he would send me the serial # of the scope when he got home from work. im a lot more comfortable now...

would the SAFEST thing to do be register on ebay and place a bid there? my thinking is why go through the forum and pay another $200 when i could bid on ebay and get the scope even cheaper. or is it possible for him to close the ebay ad if he doesn't get a bid he is satisfied with?
 
#20
Re: buying a scope used from a forum member

Could be.

Big ticket items I check the background of a seller's online history and always get a phone number/ residential adress and try to see if they match. If the guy doesn't seem open or I get any weird feeling, deal's off.

Checking the SN with IOR is a good thing, lets you ask in person if the scope will be covered even though its second hand if it goes tits up too.
 
#21
Re: buying a scope used from a forum member

I would be leery of a seller that has a listing on ebay and a forum for the same item. Once a bid has been tendered ( and there is a bid), the auction cannot be stopped.
Theoretically, he could collect from both places and only 1 person ends up with the goods. Maybe he is ignorant to that fact or has a friend driving up the price on ebay.
There are a lot of "ifs" here.

I see his listing on LRH and ebay for the 3-18.

Put a WTB post here for whatever you are looking for. That may be your safest bet. You are then in the driver's seat on any deal you choose to make and there is a good chance you will find what you are looking for.
 
#22
Re: buying a scope used from a forum member

hes got 94.4% feedback, 55 points on ebay. the one negative transaction he made, the buyer got some camera lense that had some mold on it that the seller did not know about. the seller told me he would have refunded the buyer but the buyer never contacted him about that. this is all listed in the buyers comment as well so i know hes not just making that up. on the ebay ad under returns, it says no returns accepted, covered by ebay buyer protection.

if i register for ebay and place the next highest bid, could he close the ad if hes not satisfied with the price hes getting? he told me on the forum that he would close the ad if i wanted the scope, but i would rather buy through ebay and try to get it even cheaper.
 
#23
Re: buying a scope used from a forum member

He can end the listing if there are more than 12 hours left in the auction but he must offer it to the highest bidder at the highest bid...or cancel all bids.

My guess is that he will allow you to buy it through ebay/paypal at his forum asking price...which is bad for him because he will still have to pay the fees associated with ebay/paypal. He will net less than selling off the forum.
 
#25
Re: buying a scope used from a forum member

Two posts on a forum is not enough for me to agree to a sale. Also, I like to get phone numbers to actually talk in person. I usually make sure they are an active forum member for a few years and have done sales before. Money orders or cashier's checks, delivery confirmation, etc. The bigger the paper trail, the better. Sending someone $1000 is a big deal for most of us, protect yourself or let the "deal" go. Good luck
 
#26
Re: buying a scope used from a forum member

I saw that ad on calguns, he looks honest to me although some of his posts in offtopic are a bit goofy. As far as the ebay ad goes you could bid on it or he can end it up until the last 12 hours. After the last 12 hours if there are bids it has to run out if I remember right.

Mine might be for sale if my crazy old geezer neighbor finally sells me both his M3 scopes for 900 like he promised two months back

 
#27
Re: buying a scope used from a forum member

Trust your gut, and watch out for someone who has it posted in the forums and E-bay.
I am really loosing faith in E-bay these days, I just sent a rangefinder back that was supposed to be in working condition. I am out the shipping just for the experience of looking at it.
I have done thousands of dollars of transactions here "on a mans word" and so far I haven't been burned, but I continue to keep my fingers crossed.
Like others have already said "do some research on the person" I too like to get a persons Phone number so I can hear the sound of his voice before I send him a bunch of money.
Good luck, SScott
 
#28
Re: buying a scope used from a forum member

I would also trust my gut on this one. You seem to be very hesitant and for good reason. Posting on e-bay, if he already has a bid and there is no reserve, and another site would be a huge red flag for me. I'd pass and post a WTB on this site. Just my 2 cents and paranoia.
 
#29
Re: buying a scope used from a forum member

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Santo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would also trust my gut on this one. You seem to be very hesitant and for good reason. <span style="color: #FF0000">Posting on e-bay, if he already has a bid and there is no reserve, and another site would be a huge red flag for me.</span> I'd pass and post a WTB on this site. Just my 2 cents and paranoia. </div></div>

what do you mean by that? what is a reserve? and why would it be bad to have the scope listed for sale on more than one site? seems like that would be the fastest way to sell something
 
#30
Re: buying a scope used from a forum member

I have bought and sold alot of stuff on the forums. I have been beat once by a business, but never by an individual.

First thing I do is look at his post count and how long they have been around. If under 100 posts then I normally do not even read the ad. You might miss a good deal every now and then, but I think that is a good parameter.

The next thing I ask is where are they located and would they supply a phone number so I can speak to them in person.

Next I ask for pictures. Pay attention to the pictures. Ask for good detailed pictures. If they have a problem providing pictures then walk away. And they should provide them in a expeditious manner.

I like the Postal Money orders. Personally I dislike the bank money orders or cashier checks. Most banks sell a money order from a different company. So all the bank does is give you their phone number if you have a problem. I been there.

I like the Postal Money orders. You get some protection on both sides. There is a paper trail. If it is for a large amount of money then mail the check in confirmation mail with a signature required.

If the deal has the least amount of funny smell then walk away. NO RUN AWAY. Tom.
 
#31
Re: buying a scope used from a forum member

Call the seller and ask a few questions. At the same time, get a sense of whether he is someone you feel comfortable sending money too. If he's reticent to answer basic questions, is belligerent or just plain non-communicative, then pass on the deal. If he won't give out his phone number, then forget the purchase for sure.

Check to see how long he's been a member of the forum where you found his post and whether he is a contributing member or just a seller.
 
#32
Re: buying a scope used from a forum member

I have bought my last 4 scopes used on the Hide. Use a USPS money order as stated earlier and save your messages concerning the sale and then you have the ability to go after them if necessary. I will say that I have had great dealings with everyone I have bought or sold to on the site. I am leary of anyone without an ongoing history with the site that reflects a contributor here to stay..
 
#33
Re: buying a scope used from a forum member

i guess im making it out to sound more sketchy than it really is? hes answered all PMs promptly, provided me with a serial number and pretty good pictures, answered all questions just fine etc. just asked for phone number and home address, i hope he gets my PM in time, i want him to close the ebay ad and theres only 15 hrs left on it.

i guess im nervous about it because ive never done it before.
 
#34
Re: buying a scope used from a forum member

he wants $1250 for it right now. i can get it new from liberty optics for ~$1550. he says hes put less than 200 rounds of .308 under it. its never come out of the rings so he doesn't know if there are ring marks or not (it comes with the rings mounted on the scope). is this a fair price?
 
#35
Re: buying a scope used from a forum member

The price sounds fair if the accessories and conditions are true. The protection that Ebay affords is that if he scams you there's a shot to get your money back.

Run it through Ebay and pay with Paypal or USPS MO. Don't do some fly by night method or try to skim on paypal fees by using a "gift". Just man up on the fees if you're going to use PP and they will actually work a little harder to get your stuff to you.
 
#36
Re: buying a scope used from a forum member

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jackh</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Santo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would also trust my gut on this one. You seem to be very hesitant and for good reason. <span style="color: #FF0000">Posting on e-bay, if he already has a bid and there is no reserve, and another site would be a huge red flag for me.</span> I'd pass and post a WTB on this site. Just my 2 cents and paranoia. </div></div>

what do you mean by that? what is a reserve? and why would it be bad to have the scope listed for sale on more than one site? seems like that would be the fastest way to sell something

<span style="color: #FF0000">It's not good because without a reserve price, he has to honor the winning bid. Either you or the ebay bidder will get screwed.</span>

</div></div>
 
#37
Re: buying a scope used from a forum member

My method of operation is how many posts and how long on the forum .
if this is his 105th post and he has been on the forum for 1 week I would pass ... If its his 110th post and he has been on for 5 years well maybe.. If he has a good record on ebay that is a plus I would think but if youre nervous and dont need the scope next week I would pass.
 
#38
Re: buying a scope used from a forum member

well i tried to get him to close the ebay ad last night with like 15 hrs left on it. he responded to my pm an hr later but didnt close the bid. sold on ebay for like $40 less than what he asked for on the forum.

oh well, thank yall for the help anyways. i will look back to this thread next time im thinking of buying something online.
 
#39
Re: buying a scope used from a forum member

Wells Fargo, certified bank check. They put the money into an account all its own. You can put on the check what the money is for. When they deposit it, they get the money, but they have to sign it, and its the same as signing a contract. If they dont send you the stuff, Wells Fargo will help you get your money back, and help with the attorney fees. This is what more than one cashier has told me. Dont know if its true, being as I havent had a problem yet. Made me feel a lot better about sending out 1100 for a gun.
 
#40
Re: buying a scope used from a forum member

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: chpprguy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I personally think Postal money orders suck, cause they won't do much if you get screwed... If you go cashiers check, you can track it and have proof it was cashed by the person you sent it to....
JMHO..... </div></div>

+1
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

DanUSMC
Rifle Scopes Scope riser on a prs rifle? i have an eye relief problem
Replies
23
Views
675
AznTactical
AznTactical
C
Don't buy from invisiblesight found industries ngal mk4, no refund scammed. Chargeback.
Replies
17
Views
2K
st1650
st1650
R
SOLD Steiner T6Xi 2.5-15x50 #5116 excellent condition! Perfect DMR hunting cross use scope! Wide FOV! SCR MIL
Replies
1
Views
383
Renomd
R
C
Rifle Scopes Nx8- mk5- atacr- 20s scar
Replies
31
Views
840
Deardorff
D
K
New to the forum from Utah - transplanted from PA.
Replies
2
Views
184
GTOJOSH
GTOJOSH
Top Bottom
Back
Home
Forums
Merch
Alerts