Ben_C Senior Member Joined: 2 Dec 2012 Posts: 13 Location: Vancouver Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Fri Dec 14, 2012, 1:18pm Subject: Buying used, long distance
Hi all,
I'm seriously considering a Kijiji purchase - it's in Toronto, I'm in Vancouver. Are there any secure ways to handle the transaction or will I have my tail swinging in the breeze?
qualin Senior Member Joined: 30 Jun 2012 Posts: 459 Location: Calgary, AB Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Izzo Alex Duetto 3 Grinder: Mazzer Mini Elect. Type A Vac Pot: Looking to buy Drip: Manual Roaster: Considering?
Posted Fri Dec 14, 2012, 2:07pm Subject: Re: Buying used, long distance
Don't. Just don't. Trust me.
I learned that lesson the hard way when I was quite young. If you can't see it, touch it, smell it and use it, don't buy it. It isn't worth the trouble or the hassle. You also risk getting scammed out of a lot of money without any recourse.
If you can buy your machine from somewhere local, you at least have the option to visit the person you bought it from. You can also visit them at all hours of the night to get your money back if they sold you a lemon. :-)
Better yet, save your pennies and see if you can buy a machine from one of the local coffee equipment places in Vancouver, at least that way you can get a warranty on it and support in case you run into problems.
I'm sorry to put a damper on your purchase, but I'd hate to see you burn your money, like I did.
Coffeenoobie Senior Member Joined: 11 Dec 2011 Posts: 2,313 Location: PNW Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: N S Oscar Grinder: Vario W
Posted Fri Dec 14, 2012, 2:08pm Subject: Re: Buying used, long distance
My understanding it is like craigslist. There is no guarantees. I would suggest keep looking till you can find something closer unless you have family in Toronto to do the transaction for you and send it to you afterwards.
Coffeenoobie
Buying advice: GRINDER GRINDER GRINDER. Don't cheap out on the grinder. My coffee treasure map... Click Here (maps.google.com)
qualin Senior Member Joined: 30 Jun 2012 Posts: 459 Location: Calgary, AB Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Izzo Alex Duetto 3 Grinder: Mazzer Mini Elect. Type A Vac Pot: Looking to buy Drip: Manual Roaster: Considering?
Posted Fri Dec 14, 2012, 2:38pm Subject: Re: Buying used, long distance
I don't mind using Ebay because I can pay with the purchase using a credit card via Paypal. If I get screwed, I can call up my credit card company and revoke the charge. Then it becomes an issue between Paypal and the vendor and I'm out of the picture as long as I ship the merchandise back.
With Kijiji and Craigslist, using a CC really isn't an option, unfortunately.
You know, you should check out Espressotec. They're in Richmond, BC.
Ben_C Senior Member Joined: 2 Dec 2012 Posts: 13 Location: Vancouver Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Fri Dec 14, 2012, 3:43pm Subject: Re: Buying used, long distance
I'm going to get in touch with them in the new year. I started looking at what machine to get and am leaning towards a La Spaziale, not sure about plumbed in or not. However another volumetric machine may fit the bill - I can't find a LS dealer locally.
Cheers Ben
qualin Said:
I don't mind using Ebay because I can pay with the purchase using a credit card via Paypal. If I get screwed, I can call up my credit card company and revoke the charge. Then it becomes an issue between Paypal and the vendor and I'm out of the picture as long as I ship the merchandise back.
With Kijiji and Craigslist, using a CC really isn't an option, unfortunately.
You know, you should check out Espressotec. They're in Richmond, BC.
jjsaustin Senior Member Joined: 3 Dec 2012 Posts: 9 Location: Austin
Espresso: Izzo Alex Duetto Grinder: Baratza Vario
Posted Tue Dec 18, 2012, 5:19pm Subject: Re: Buying used, long distance
I was able to pick up a used machine from a CG member and am very pleased. Very smooth transaction other than my check was lost in the mail. I later wired him the money, so it cost me a little more to cancel the check and wire the funds.
Uptowncoffee Senior Member Joined: 12 Dec 2012 Posts: 1 Location: Michigan Expertise: Pro Roaster
Posted Tue Dec 18, 2012, 9:26pm Subject: Re: Buying used, long distance
I have purchased many things long distance but I always try to make sure I am buying from the trusty person or company. I always ask many questions and pictures.... Even then I did have problem with few of the purchases... There are risk buying long distance but also can be very rewarding. Good luck!!!!
Ben_C Senior Member Joined: 2 Dec 2012 Posts: 13 Location: Vancouver Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Wed Dec 19, 2012, 11:25am Subject: Re: Buying used, long distance
Thanks for all the replies. I would have had more confidence if it was a forum member or some other connection but it was a craigslist ad. They ended up not replying to emails or phone calls which is a bit odd when trying to sell something. It looked like a good deal - maybe too good? - a Vivaldi used for a photo shoot being flogged off cheap.
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