How do you know that a seller is trustworthy?

[lumiere]

Has anybody purchased a Leica Noctilux 50mm f/0.95 in a forum? If you have, how did you get convinced that the seller was trustworthy? --I am trying to buy a used Noctilux and the forums seem like the most cost efficient place, but I am not sure how to conduct such a large single transaction without incurring a huge amount of risk.

 

[marcr1230]

I'd look at how long that user has been on the forum and how many posts
then look at any sales history
I've bought some expensive items from people and never had a problem, but I avoid people with limited histories

 

[lumiere]

Thanks, Marcr1230 I appreciate your thoughts.

 

[thegman]

If they've been on a forum for a while, with a lot of posts, chances are they are not out to scam you. However, for that sort of money, I think I'd be looking around dealers rather than individuals.

 

[kutting]

Trading history on other websites might be a good indicator of a trustworthy seller as long as their ID can be verified.

 

[jwicaksana]

I know some sellers do not really like PayPal for their buyer-heavy protection, but if both have good intentions, PayPal and insured, trackable shipping will protect both sides from fraud. Apart from the usual tell tale like posts count and trading history, I will also see if they respond to emails quickly and if they sound courteous and not pushy. Good luck for your purchase.

 

[Pablito]

What everyone else said, but I also put a lot of weight on "the vibe". E-mails answered quickly, questions answered fully, polite, no mixed signals, uses full name, can express him/herself clearly in writing, does not put pressure on you...