Sometimes Paypal or credit cards are the only way to go with international sales like that. Because of all the possible scams and rip-off out there in the world, this is the main reason when I sell on ebay, I won't do international anymore. Between that and all the different customs regulations all over the world.....its just become too much of a pain. I might consider it with a member here, but I'd have to know them well to even consider doing an international sale.

:2Cents:

Italian customs laws prohibit the import of musical instruments, at least according to the USPS.

I received a WU payment, but not as a money order. I was sent the payment information for the payment, took that to WU and received cash on the spot.

The following is my latest email trail just now (mine at the bottom and his answer to me here).

Hi Gary,

As far as payment is concerned I will go on Monday to my bank to check it out. I did it before to USA and it worked pretty well, took a week or two though.

Please check the postage to:

01-471 WARSAW (zip code and city)

Ul.PELCZYNSKIEGO 22b/47 (street address)

Some e-bayers used USPS sending cymbals to me couple of times already and it cost between 50-100 USD. If there is an insurance option I might be tempted too.

If you could mark the package “gift” would be even nicer as it would spare me some expanses here but if (for some reason) you don’t like it, that is OK.

Do you use paypal by any chance? There is some “buyer protection” options with it or…just don’t forget about me J

Speaking about cymbals – it took me almost 3 years (imports from Canada, USA, EU, Australia, Singapore) to build my zildjian set as I wanted it. I have sold it recently to switch to Agop’s. Now, I have already a Mel Lewis hat plus 19” ride. If, in one shot I could add your beauties to it I have what I wanted for couple of years’ play!!!

Of course there are distributors in Poland but practically only for “Big 3” cymbals makers or basic lines from Turkish manufacturers. That’s the whole “secret” J

I re-contact you on Monday for the money.

From Tuesdays on I am travelling until Friday when I can make the payment if this is OK with you.

Thanks a lot

Maciek

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

De : kona1984 [mailto:kona1984@shaw.ca]

Envoyé : samedi 5 mars 2011 11:15

À : MB

Objet : Re: Cymbals - Istanbul Agop - $700 (Nanaimo North End)

this is my latest email to Maceik and his answer above of course

Hi Maceik

I guess what I could do is accept payment via International Money Order, or direct bank transfer, but hold shipment for 4 weeks to make sure the payment does not bounce back.

If I have the money I have no problem shipping to Poland...it just seems a little risky from my end if you can see my point. Don't they have these cymbals in Poland? Or are they so expensive most drummers can't afford to buy them? If you give me your address I can check what the exact postage would be for you. I'm selling the cymbals at pretty well wholesale price....what I paid for them. I don't want to make a profit - I just want to get what I paid out of them.

Gary

Watch out for that "mark it as a gift" thing....that is trying to circumvent customs right there. Both sides can get into trouble for that!

Based on the email exchanges, if this guy is a scammer he is remarkably well informed about cymbals and cymbal companies.

You are correct to be concerned that the form of payment can "bounce" a month later.

Dealing with international transactions can be a bit more complicated but it need not automatically invoke the likes of scammers in Africa or other far flung places.

And yes there are forwarding companies (at least in the USA) which give you a USA address to ship to and then take care of the forwarding oh behalf of their international client. The service is by subscription, and the cost of forwarding may not always be the lowest available. I don't know if there are such companies in Canada, but you could google around and see what you come up with.

Yours in International Bronze Brotherhood. Keep on Pl

Sorry made a mistake, the Dynasonic was shipped to Spain, not Italy.

Here's my latest email from Maciek in Poland. I did a rough calculation on-line to ship the three cymbals from my address in Canada to Poland (package of about 10lbs 24"x24"x4" = $116 and I think it's about $1.50/$100 for insurance on the cymbals. The cymbals are advertised at $790

I think I'd be happier with a WU transfer rather than giving my bank info out.

Machek's email here...............

Hi Gary,

I would need following info to make the transfer. It is important you give me:

- SWIFT code with obviously bank account number (they should know the format of your bank account that is needed for international transfers at your bank office)

- Bank name

- Bank branch address (don’t ask why, I did not understand)

- Your address

- Well, the amount – I will transfer 906 USD to your account; I suppose this is OK to cover the shipment.

As said before, I can send the money on Friday when I am back. It should take maximum 5 days to be credited to your account.

BTW, I have checked Western Union web sites and, strangely it comes cheaper than bank wire (?). I found a WU office in Nanaimo as well but does this payment method suit you? Any charges on your side???

Anyway, I am OK to make bank transfer but will need all above data to do this.

Could you mark the parcel as gift? Well, Zildjians budget although enough is no limitless…

Thx

Maciek

Gary.....

walk away. Its a scam. A very long-winded, involved scam. I would just politely state to the guy, it's just too much risk on your part. That you wash your hands of any further or future dealings with the guy.

Do yourself the favor of not having the aggrevation. I'm sure you will be able to find a buyer for your cymbals locally for te asking price.

Ludwig-dude, have you (or anyone you know) ever been scammed by somebody who demonstrates this much knowledge about drums or cymbals?

We'll have to agree to disagree that this is obviously a scam. I still maintain I've never seen a scammer who illustrates such detailed knowledge of cymbal brands. Heck, most eBay sellers don't seem to show that much knowledge! :D

I think I'm pretty good at spotting scams, and this one doesn't look like it to me. Complicated? Yes. International? Yes. But scam is different. If you can spot things which we missed that might help all of us who sell internationally. Hence my interest in the basis of your judgement.

Thanks