If someone is selling a camera on a Facebook Leica group how do you complete the transaction and more importantly

[AllenB]

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how do you protect yourself?  If they're asking "What’s your full name and address so I can get shipping label ?", and indicate that the purchase can be done through Paypal for protection, how is this done with a private seller?

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[RMF]

Make sure the seller has a verified PP account. If sending payment through G&S PayPal, then Paypal offers the protection. They can get your name and shipping info from the PayPal payment you send.  It might be a good practice to have the seller create and send you a Paypal payment invoice first with the serial number of the item as well as the stated condition) for your record keeping and in case that are any issues.

 

 

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Edited May 12, 2024 by RMF

[AllenB]

45 minutes ago, RMF said:

Make sure the seller has a verified PP account. If sending payment through G&S PayPal, then Paypal offers the protection. They can get your name and shipping info from the PayPal payment you send.  It might be a good practice to have the seller create and send you a Paypal payment invoice first with the serial number of the item as well as the stated condition) for your record keeping and in case that are any issues.

 

 

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Thanks so much for this, it's a pretty unnerving process sending off so much money to someone you don't know.  I guess them asking for my full name and address to create a shipping label is a common thing? Thanks

Edited May 12, 2024 by AllenB

[LeicaR10]

AllenB,  I would not do this transaction under any circumstances.  There are far better places to buy in person.  You didn't write what you are buying.  If its a camera, don't do it unless you get to handle it first, get a written warranty.  You are setting yourself up for potental trouble.  Its not worth the grief if this goes wrong.  They have your money and you might not have anything.  Best to deal with a dealer, even eBay as long as the business or person has near 100% satisfaction record and you can return the item for a full refund.  If you are thinking about a used M11 from your other OP thread...you could be buying problems you definitely don't need and you willl have buyer regret and worse...might lose your money.  r/ Mark

Edited May 12, 2024 by LeicaR10

[costa43]

I’ve sold an item on the Leica Classifieds page. A 35mm apo M of all things. The buyer wanted reassurances, we did a video call, chatted for a bit about cameras and lenses (most scammers won’t know their apo from their Apple) I showed him the product, I sent him my linked in details so he knew where I worked and I showed him ID.

I never requested name and address details until the item was paid for and I created the shipping label. They can easily give you a shipping quote without them. You can just give them your town or postcode area.

There are some great deals on there but do your due diligence and follow your gut. If it doesn’t feel right then pull out immediately. There are also a number of super sellers on there who are professional and trustworthy. 

Edited May 12, 2024 by costa43

[RMF]

13 hours ago, costa43 said:

I’ve sold an item on the Leica Classifieds page. A 35mm apo M of all things. The buyer wanted reassurances, we did a video call, chatted for a bit about cameras and lenses (most scammers won’t know their apo from their Apple) I showed him the product, I sent him my linked in details so he knew where I worked and I showed him ID.

I never requested name and address details until the item was paid for and I created the shipping label. They can easily give you a shipping quote without them. You can just give them your town or postcode area.

There are some great deals on there but do your due diligence and follow your gut. If it doesn’t feel right then pull out immediately. There are also a number of super sellers on there who are professional and trustworthy. 

Yup, fully agree. The Leica Classified private FB group is a nice option to have when looking for Leica gear. There are a number of top sellers and dealers that post regularly to that FB group who buy and sell frequently and the group also has Admins that monitor posts and vet members. I’ve bought and sold at least 10+ items (bodies and lenses) including some rare and unique items through the group. Due diligence like always is crucial but I’ve never had a problem with anyone in the group.  Btw- there are a few Leica private classifieds FB groups: Leica Classifieds, Leica Exchange, and Leica USA Buy/sell. The other place to search when buying/selling Leica gear would be the Fred Miranda classifieds.  
 

[Derbyshire Man]

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I’ve tried to join the FB group twice and been ignored no the times!

[Photoworks]

Just be smart. there are scammers out there hacking other people's accounts and fake selling stuff.

that said you can ask for verification and do a video call.

I got a Noctilux 0.95 SL2 and 90-280 on the Leica classified from Facebook. often you see the same items on www.fredmiranda.com , I don't think scammers would do that.

Paypal protection only applies to Invoices, don't just send money.

I have seen many M11 go by in the last few months, I suppose people are getting ready for the M11-D

[dkmoore]

On 5/11/2024 at 10:11 PM, AllenB said:

how do you protect yourself?  If they're asking "What’s your full name and address so I can get shipping label ?", and indicate that the purchase can be done through Paypal for protection, how is this done with a private seller?

As a very regular member who has sold over $100k and purchased over $100k of Leica products from the Leica classified group I can tell you that it’s a fantastic place to buy and sell if you use common sense and a little bit of prudence. 
 

When you buy using PayPal, PayPal send the seller all of the important information. 
 

Red flags:

1. super duper cheap price that you can’t believe is happening. You must be the luckiest person on earth. 

2. They ask you for your personal information 

3. they ask you to pay via friends and family

4. they have no referrals they can provide

5. Send you an invoice that clearly didn’t come from PayPal. Check the url 

There are more but I’m tired. Leica classifieds is an amazing place to buy and sell. 
 

If you have a specific seller you want to you from please don’t hesitate to reach out. I can try to help you validate and will likely know if they are legit or not and I don’t I’ll know someone that does. 

[dkmoore]

On 5/11/2024 at 11:49 PM, LeicaR10 said:

AllenB,  I would not do this transaction under any circumstances.  There are far better places to buy in person.  You didn't write what you are buying.  If its a camera, don't do it unless you get to handle it first, get a written warranty.  You are setting yourself up for potental trouble.  Its not worth the grief if this goes wrong.  They have your money and you might not have anything.  Best to deal with a dealer, even eBay as long as the business or person has near 100% satisfaction record and you can return the item for a full refund.  If you are thinking about a used M11 from your other OP thread...you could be buying problems you definitely don't need and you willl have buyer regret and worse...might lose your money.  r/ Mark

Hi Mark,

Have you had a bad experience? If so, please do share as a learning experience. I’ve had bad experiences buying directly from Leica. 

The only Leica stores i would buy used gear from is Leica Miami and Tamarkin because I know they test before selling. The official Leica stores have reps that in my experience don’t. 
 

Curious what went wrong for you?

[LeicaR10]

Dkmoore, I sent you a PM to answer your questions.  r/ Mark

Edited May 14, 2024 by LeicaR10