OverSeas Cash/Check Transaction?

[SteveM_NJ]

Hello Everyone,

***(RESOLVED, CLOSED)*****

I have a simple questions regarding the methods you have used successfully to get money to anyone overseas.

In my search for a summicron 50, ( "In The Market" thread) I identifed someone who has one for sale that interests me.
I agreed and offered the full amount asking but was told that there is a transaction/check cashing fee (Denmark only?) and will end up costing $25 or so. ( NOT nice). and the seller suggested I not send any check but cash wrapped in the letter, ( I offered personal check, banker cashier check, travelers check...)
I never mail cash, unless a last resort.

so - my question to anyone, what methods work best for you ( individual to individual) for sending funds overseas to not incur such a transaction fee.

thanks
Steve.

 

[JoeFriday]

what g'man said.. send cash and you can virtually guarantee to never see the lens.. or it will be nothing like it was described.. or, even if the seller is reputable, if the lens gets lost in transit, you're still screwed

I would only pay via credit card if I was doing business with anyone outside of this group.. as a great man once said "trust, but verify"

 

[SteveM_NJ]

If thats the normal international transaction fee .
I offered to split the 25 (12.50 each). Figured that was fair?
didnt get any reply yet.

I might as well just offer the 25 on top, be done with it and not worry - life's too short to stress.

Will ponder and contemplate for a while.

Not that I'm indecisive, or am I? 🙂

 

[Ronald M]

Have the seller open a paypal and deposit the money there.

 

[mervynyan]

wire the money to their bank account is the best way. banks normally are responsible and regulated by authorities. in any event, if you don't get your lenses, you can sue their bank for money laundry.

 

[back alley]

wiring money can cost more than the 25 buck fee.
pay the fee if you want the lens.
it's a pain but i can understand the seller's point of view on this.
i had to pay the fee for cashing a canadian money for the lens i bought from igor's camera and that's in cleveland!

 

[Biggles]

What back alley said. It's the price of doing business in dissimilar currencies and with alien banking systems.

With that said, I've mailed cash all over the globe. It's always gotten there. But DON't use a courier envelope for this task- it absolutely has to look like a letter to grandma.

A thick, opaque letter.

 

[SteveM_NJ]

I agree with all posted.
like my Dad usually says "Pay the 2 dollars" - "cheap is expensive" -- SO, I bit the bullet and purchased an international money order - kicked in the exchange / processing fee so the seller isnt out anything and sent the check/money order via air mail.

Would be dumb to "nickle/dime" haggle when i am happy with to the asking price. ( i dont need to make anyone feel im anything less than "simple to deal with and above board" -- because i expect to be buying many more things as this is my first lens for what i hope is a long lived hobby (RF)

thanks everyone...

*(btw - will be posting more "fun pix of things to do with a lens-less M3 in my gallery" to keep me playing with photography for a while)
pix 1 -m3 as bookmark.
pix 2 - m3 as recipe holder, if big book, bring a friend.