To wire money or not to wire money?

[absolom7691]

So, it's a general rule of thumb to NOT wire money to anyone you don't know. So, why am I even bothering to ask? I have no idea other than hoping that the vendor is trustworthy. I am going to really stretch here and ask if anyone knows or has done business with http://www.bestalu.com? They sell the honeycomb I need to start work on my new fogscreen. I emailed them for a quote for the materials I need and they responded with a competitive price. When terms of payment came up, it was Western Union of MoneyGram only. That always throws up a hugantic red flag. They look like they have been around for a bit but it's hard to find any information on them, let alone a review. Unfortunately, the materials I am looking to buy are pretty exotic outside of manufacturing or scientific.

I am pretty sure I know the answer but what do you guys think? Should I give them a shot? We're only talking about $150 here so, it's not like I am breaking the bank. Still though, getting burned sucks!

[swamidog]

many chinese vendors i've interacted with claim they only accept wire transfers, but will also accept paypal if you cover the fees.

So, it's a general rule of thumb to NOT wire money to anyone you don't know. So, why am I even bothering to ask? I have no idea other than hoping that the vendor is trustworthy. I am going to really stretch here and ask if anyone knows or has done business with http://www.bestalu.com? They sell the honeycomb I need to start work on my new fogscreen. I emailed them for a quote for the materials I need and they responded with a competitive price. When terms of payment came up, it was Western Union of MoneyGram only. That always throws up a hugantic red flag. They look like they have been around for a bit but it's hard to find any information on them, let alone a review. Unfortunately, the materials I am looking to buy are pretty exotic outside of manufacturing or scientific.

I am pretty sure I know the answer but what do you guys think? Should I give them a shot? We're only talking about $150 here so, it's not like I am breaking the bank. Still though, getting burned sucks!

[absolom7691]

Thanks, Chris. I hadn't thought of that. I'll see if they'll take that offer. Fees are what, 10%?

[swamidog]

Thanks, Chris. I hadn't thought of that. I'll see if they'll take that offer. Fees are what, 10%?

i think it's about 3%.

[Bradfo69]

My thinking is that since it's only $150, it's probably worth the risk of trying. As mentioned, you have limited sources. The website seems pretty well put together and not really a hack job. I realize than means nothing but, at least nothing appears shady to me at least. I get a bit nervous wiring large sums of money in general too... even when I sort of know them. I often do that with Lightspace but it's still a bit nerve wracking. A large transaction over 4 years ago has made me perhaps a bit more gun shy about the whole finality of wiring money to people.

[absolom7691]

Thanks for the advice guys. If they decline the PayPal offer I made, I'll probably end up pulling the trigger. I am waiting for one more price quote from a US company before I proceed.

I thought the same thing about the look and good english on their site. They "seem" legit so, I'll give it a try.

[hitekvoop]

unrelated but related, I once wired a guy in Scotland $1000 to send me the used transmission out of a Golf Diesel (not available in US for that model year) from a junkyard. Crazy? Maybe... but now I have a VW that will do 210+ mph in 6th

Storal of the morey: GO FOR IT!

[NobleGas]

unrelated but related, I once wired a guy in Scotland $1000 to send me the used transmission out of a Golf Diesel (not available in US for that model year) from a junkyard. Crazy? Maybe... but now I have a VW that will do 210+ mph in 6th

Storal of the morey: GO FOR IT!

How many weeks does it take to get there though?

[absolom7691]

So, it turns out that they were willing to accept PayPal but after all the negotiating was done, they told me that they had a 3pcs minimum order... *sigh*. It makes no difference, I finally got a quote from a company here in the US and the cost is more but with the shipping, it stays pretty competitive. So, that's the end of that. I won't even need to order from the Chinese company. Thanks for the replies, everyone!

[masterpj]

When dealing with chinese sellers resort to paypal unless there is a protection system in between you and them through a service.