Do you find this strange?

[crittertoo]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I was going to plunk (bank/wire transfer) the money for a M9 at USD6995. Vendor claims they have stock, they even supplied the serial no (mask of the last 4 digits)

 

Everything was fine, till i insisted that the item be delivered via UPS/Fedex Priority which the additional cost I am more than willing to pay.

 

Final word from them is go via United States Postal Service or none at all.

 

Do you guys find this strange? What could be the reason on their insistence to use USPS?

 

Bank/Wire transfer will be cleared in 3 days. Once the seller's bank confirm the funds are received, UPS picks it up...there is no risk to the seller.

 

What gives?

 

anyone?

[msk2193]

I do find this bizarre.

It could be an insurance issue. USPS is less expensive for higher priced items.

But most high-end dealers have accounts with UPS or FedEx that include automatic insurance coverage.

Perhaps better off sending your money elsewhere!

[digitalfx]

Is this a reputable dealer?

If not and you don't feel comfortable, do not send money.

 

FYI- it doesn't take 3 days for a domestic wire to clear. 1 day max, generally same day.

[novice9]

I would NEVER proceed under those circumstances, highly suspect.

[zlatkob]

I find that strange too. Where is this vendor? Don't they have UPS or FedEx near them? They can easily schedule a pickup. I just don't understand it, and would be very cautious about dealing with anyone who won't use standard shipping methods, especially with something this valuable.

 

I tried the USPS online calculator, and it limits any added insurance to $5,000. If $5,000 is the USPS insurance limit, then the shipper can't even insure the camera for full replacement value in case it gets lost.

[enboe]

You could verify the dealer is active, in good standing, and that the address and point of contact match what's on file with Leica USA.

[Bill W]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

You know the expression "A fool and his money are soon parted". I would say thank you but I do not need the M9 that quick. If you sent them a check, it would clear in a day after they deposited it. M9's are becoming more available. No need to trust this deal.

[zlatkob]

Also, see whether they have a good rating on ResellerRatings.com - Shop Safe & Avoid Scams. Vendors are rated on a scale 0 to 10. Anything over 8 or so is good. For example, B&H Photo is currently at 9.72. Read the actual customer reviews on that site to get a sense of a vendor's reliability.

[Shade]

I'd skip this deal.

[redbaron]

Have you spoken to the vendor about this? Either in person, or on the phone?

[scott kirkpatrick]

Only time I have done a wire transfer before having the goods in my hands was to insulate a British dealer from currency variations. The dealer was well known, recommended by friends, etc. Time was critical because I don't get to the UK very often and prices there were very attractive. Still, the international wire transfer took 4-5 days to clear. Just to get my hands on an M9 when they are starting to flow easily through the channels, I wouldn't do it. I would stick to credit card protection or paypal within a structure like EBay's.

 

scott

[250swb]

 

Do you guys find this strange? What could be the reason on their insistence to use USPS?

 

 

Its to hide their tracks, as is the 3 day electronic transfer period if it is only one day. Go to a proper well known Leica dealer and if you are still in doubt pay by credit card, never bank transfer to anybody holding out on such significant points as signed for and insured delivery.

 

Steve

[crittertoo]

thanks folks for all your value comments.

[RockyIII]

Sounds very strange, especially if they are unwilling to explain why they will only use USPS.

 

Rocky

[jsrockit]

USPS is not strange... it is the cheapest way generally for international shipping. Wire transfers are used by people commiting fraud generally and I'd be suspect based on that more than the shipping.

[Bill W]

Is this from a dealer or an individual? A legitimate dealer would not make such restrictive guidelines. I got mine today for $6995 and it included free shipping. I paid with a credit card.

[wparsonsgisnet]

I had the same thing happen to me -- not for an item of this cost, however.

 

I found a CD of music that the bride needed a little while ago. The vendor had it in stock, but would not overnight it -- not even at the post office.

 

They only sent via regular USPS parcel things.

 

I suspect in the above case that it's a one-man operation.

 

It may be that your vendor doesn't have the bandwidth to change mailing options.

 

Of course, he may just not care.

[crittertoo]

buying from a dealer and not from an individual. Wire/Bank transfer has no risk to the receiving party - once the bank say it's there (confirm it has receive the funds), it will be there. So it's all a bit strange, i even offer to pick up the UPS tab and schedule a pickup - still no go. Well...in search of a M9 again...heard Singapore today (13 Apr) has a bunch of M9 grey delivered to the dealers....Black rumoured to be at the end of the month...Will call the usual suspects up in 12 hours....anyone here wants an update?

[mby]

buying from a dealer and not from an individual. Wire/Bank transfer has no risk to the receiving party - once the bank say it's there (confirm it has receive the funds), it will be there. So it's all a bit strange, i even offer to pick up the UPS tab and schedule a pickup - still no go. Well...in search of a M9 again...heard Singapore today (13 Apr) has a bunch of M9 grey delivered to the dealers....Black rumoured to be at the end of the month...Will call the usual suspects up in 12 hours....anyone here wants an update?

 

Update would be nice. - BTW, do you live in beautiful Singapore?

 

Best regards,

Michael

[Advertisement]

Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[crittertoo]

called up the usual suspects. Only Gope (official Leica dealer) has the M9, colour steel grey..they want SG 11388.

 

I reside in Malaysia...