need advice on possible rip off...

[bigblock73]

Ok, a while back I posted a thread here looking for a place to purchase a rebuilt 4-speed tilt column for my truck. A few people replied and gave me a couple names to go on, names of people thay saw selling them on E-bay. Well I did some research on the (via E-bay), and it turned out they both had a high number of feedbacks...all positive.

Feeling good about making a deal over the net, I proceeded to contact one of them. After a few back and forth e-mails asking misc questions and price, I made my payment via PAYPAL...this was on May 12th.

Below is a copy-n-paste of his last E-mail, which he sent before I made my payment...

Hi Jeff... Sorry to take so long to reply but I had not been on the computer in several days. Yes, the column is still available but will require 7-10 days for rebuilding. Payment may be sent by PayPal to: XXXXXXXXXX, or you may mail payment to: XXXXXXXXXX. I will notify you and supply the UPS tracking number when your column is shipped.

Once I made electronic payment, I E-mailed him informing him I did just that, and asked him (as a reminder), to let me know when the column goes out. I then proceeded to wait 12 days before I sent out another E-mail, inquiring about the status and reminding him to please contact me and let me know how it is going since I haven't heard boo or seen the column arrive.

One week after that, since I STILL haven't heard squat, I E-mailed him, voicing my concern about this deal and asking to contact me and let me know what is happening.

Still no word.

Now my question...

I can get my money back thru my bank by going through their processes, but how much longer should I wait before I do this? I am pretty peeved he has my $209 and has made no effort to contact me since I made payment. I want to give him a fair shake, but I believe since it has been longer than
"7-10 days" like he stated, he should at least contact me and let me know what is up.

[1FaastC10]

if its been 3 weeks, and he wont respond to your attempted contacts, by all means, stop the payment. he's had more than a "fair shake"

[87 STEPPER]

I say get your bux back and send the dirtbag a nice fuk u e-mail i hate these kind of story's.

[78SilveradoSWB]

Jeff:

I think you can file a complaint with Ebay now, then there is a cooling off period, but if it's not resolved by the 30th. day it becomes final and it's a fraudulent transaction on his record. At the same time you can file a claim with Paypal too, and if funds came from a credit card, it's all the better, bypass Paypal and have your bank take care of business. Ebay should provide you his phone number so you can contact him that way Good Luck! Stuff over $100, I often use postal money orders to be safe.

[Captkaos]

Yank the money! He has had his fair amount of time.

[N2TRUX]

Jeff,
Am I reading it that you did "not" do the deal through Ebay? If so, I would pull the funds back. Not that Ebay will do much either, but you do have "public" recourse. If it is one of the two suppliers that are the most common on there I am surprised. There are others that aren't as reputable selling as well...

[SanitysBane]

isn't it said that we have these problems? at work today someone tried to steal my STOCK tail lights, i ran him off and parked it inside the fence were i was in a "wrenchs throw" from it

[bigblock73]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I am going to give him until this Friday to make good on the deal. If he fails to send the column or communicate with me, then I will post his name, address, E-mail address, and E-bay user ID here and maybe even on the front page of 73-87.com.

The deal was not done thru E-bay, but I contacted him thru them.

I am so sick of scumbags who do this kind of crap!

[piecesparts]

Did you try your local salvage yard? They can get a tilt column and you can see it when you pick it up. I have bought a couple for $225 bucks each and have had no problem. To me, E-Bay means Rip Off in a form of computer garbage. You never know who you are dealing with and they get your money before you get your goods. I can take pictures of a piece of junk and make it look like a prized possesion so that I can sell it, hmmm, wonder who would fall for a stupid idea like that???? TRUST WHAT YOU CAN LAY YOUR HANDS ON, you earned every dollar you have and they haven't (in some cases)

[bigblock73]

Originally Posted by piecesparts

Did you try your local salvage yard? To me, E-Bay means Rip Off in a form of computer garbage. You never know who you are dealing with and they get your money before you get your goods.

Trying to find a 4-speed tilt column is damn near impossible...GM just didn't make alot of them.

As far as E-bay goes (and any internet transactions go), 99% of the people who buy and sell are honest individuals. If it wasn't for E-bay (or this board), I would never have found my $64 NOS new in box 73/74 grill in MINT condition, my $100 NOS dashpad, and numerous other parts purchased on E-bay and this board.

This guy had 400 positive feedbacks, and not even one negative or nuetral. I will give him the benefit of the doubt for a little while longer (vacation, health, family, etc causes problems from time to time), but his time is quickly ticking.

[piecesparts]

The columns are out there. There are a couple of yards in Colorado that had more than one of that column when I was looking for one.

As for E-bay, I hope you are successful. I am the kind that has to see what I am buying. The opportunities are boundless on the internet, but so are those that are getting their chunk also. I personally would have a hard time investing in some of the items that go across the web. I try not to poke anyone to hard, but I hate the idea of giving someone my money and I have no clue where I can find them if there is a problem.