Buying through Face...
 

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[Closed] Buying through Facebook Market Place - any protection?

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 PJay
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I've never purchased anything through Facebook Market place but I've been trying to get hold of a turbo trainer (to help with cardiac rehab after multiple heart attacks) and I've found one on Facebook (I'd need the item posted as I don't drive).

The problem is that sending £550 (a huge amount for me) into the ether to someone I don't know for something that may, or may not, exist (anyone can find pictures) fills me with dread.

Is there any form of protection if you're scammed? I don't have a credit card, just a debit card, but could I use Paypal and their protection?

It might be safer just to wait for new stock to reach reputable online stores and get something less well speced. that turns up.


 
Posted : 02/12/2020 9:55 am
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I think as long you use PayPal to pay for it as goods and services, you should receive some PayPal protection.

The seller might want you to pay the fees though.


 
Posted : 02/12/2020 9:59 am
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I wouldn't buy anything from FB Marketplace that I couldn't pick up and pay for in cash. Same as Scumtree.


 
Posted : 02/12/2020 10:19 am
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I’d only buy something relatively cheap from FB or Gumtree, or at least something I could easily make good if it wasn’t up to spec. I used eBay for expensive stuff due to their biased buyer protection.

Am currently selling some stuff on FB for a few hundred quid as I’d rather filter out the idiots and accept cash for sold as seen. Can’t be done with scammers in eBay.


 
Posted : 02/12/2020 10:22 am
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As others FB Market Place for me is for local items I can pick up and pay for in cash.


 
Posted : 02/12/2020 10:28 am
 StuF
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PJay - is there someone that could pick it up for you? How far away is it?


 
Posted : 02/12/2020 10:29 am
 PJay
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It's a little used Tacx Neo 2 turbo trainer for about half of the retail price, so tempting, but I'd need it posted; it's probably too risky (I haven't even contacted the seller to see if it's still available and whether they'd post). Might be worth posting it up here in case there's anyone local who'd be interested and can view.


 
Posted : 02/12/2020 10:31 am
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Same as spacemonkey and muffin man ,but I tend to stick to only a few facebook sites that (for now ) have a good community and feel like ebay before the scammers moved in.

Gumtree can be a bit of a nightmare but when it works it's nice to stay local .


 
Posted : 02/12/2020 10:37 am
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but I tend to stick to only a few facebook sites that (for now ) have a good community

This for me as well. A few groups for specialist stuff relating to my various hobbies and where folk generally know a few members outside of Facebook. That said I have bought and sold far more on Marketplace than eBay last few months and have not had any issues as a seller or buyer.

Usual rules apply though - if it's too good to be true etc and PP Goods & Services unless you trust the seller implicitly.


 
Posted : 02/12/2020 10:43 am
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Ever seen those advert cards in your local supermarket? Facebook Marketplace affords about the same level of protection as those, ie "none whatsoever".

Where are you geographically? I have a Tacx turbo trainer I don't want.


 
Posted : 02/12/2020 11:32 am
 PJay
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I'm in Street in Somerset. I'm always a bit nervous parting with money but I think in this case it's probably wise to decline (there are a couple nearer ones in Bristol that I could potentially make on the bus).

The good news is a managed a short 7 mile ride (at a rather pedestrian speed) on Monday without any pain (although I've built up my riding twice before and gone on to have further heart attacks) so some gentle outdoor cycling might be a goer!

If anyone's interested in the Neo 2 it's in Portsmouth (although the ad's 5 days old).


 
Posted : 02/12/2020 11:37 am
 DrP
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ssssh... I've just messaged the seller as I would kinda like it 🙂

Not heard back yet!

DrP


 
Posted : 02/12/2020 11:45 am
 PJay
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🤞

I've umed and ahed over the last 5 days, so I'd be interested to know how you get on. There's another Neo 2 I've seen that over retail price, so this one's great if it's genuine; good luck!


 
Posted : 02/12/2020 11:47 am
 DrP
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i'd drive over to view it if it IS still available!

DrP


 
Posted : 02/12/2020 11:54 am
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There's a kickr core going on one of the Bristol cycling Facebook groups. I can try and find the ad if you are interested.


 
Posted : 02/12/2020 12:08 pm
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I'd be very suspicious about a Neo 2 offered at half retail, they are like gold dust recently...
SH ones were selling for near new price back in October when I was looking.


 
Posted : 02/12/2020 12:19 pm
 PJay
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Thanks t3ap0t, I have found a Kickr Core in Bristol and a Tacx and I'd be interested to hear what Cougar has.

I'm sure I'll end up with something at some point (I actually ordered a Kickr Snap from CRC but the order was cancelled, presumably a stock issue). I'll try a bit of outdoor riding too if the heart holds out.


 
Posted : 02/12/2020 1:28 pm
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I’d be interested to hear what Cougar has.

It's a blue one?

I've no idea what it is, how do I tell?


 
Posted : 02/12/2020 4:14 pm
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It’s a blue one?

I’ve no idea what it is

With white bits?

It's a smurf.


 
Posted : 02/12/2020 4:16 pm
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That's explain the strange squeaking when you pedal.

It's a Blue Matic I believe. Plus a 700mm Tacx tyre and a Front Wheel Stand Of Pointlessness.


 
Posted : 02/12/2020 4:24 pm
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Facebook Marketplace is full of dodgy. I use it to sell stuff but always cash and collection only. I tend to filter people by stalking their profiles as frankly I don't want some of them near my house.

I wouldn't do a £500 trade over Marketplace unless I saw the item and collected it there and then.


 
Posted : 02/12/2020 4:39 pm
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There's an elite directo on the catchy sounding cycling stuff for sale in Bristol and bath and surrounding areas Facebook group too. £500,


 
Posted : 02/12/2020 8:40 pm
 PJay
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I've been trying to get in touch with a seller in Bristol but no joy and I'm beginning to wonder whether it wouldn't just be safer to wait for new stock to turn up in the New Year.

I'd be interested to know if DrP had any luck with the Neo 2.

Started a new round of cardiac rehab. yesterday and rather enjoyed the exercise bikes.


 
Posted : 04/12/2020 8:51 am
 DrP
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sent a message, but no reply...

I IMagine it's a scam, as I put something like "hi sexy pants, I'm nearby..just along the coast..wanna hood up and swap cash for a good ride...?"

(well, not quite that, but made it clear i'm near and would pick up..)

DrP


 
Posted : 04/12/2020 9:03 am
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hood up? I'm not going to look that up on Urban Dictionary


 
Posted : 04/12/2020 9:26 am
 PJay
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Okay, using the [url=

Ad. image[/url] as the basis for a Google image search yields a [url= https://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en-GB&tbs=simg:CAESqAIJIfNfaiXd7q0anAILELCMpwgaYgpgCAMSKJoM0wzoDOcM3gzSDJsM6gzhDJcM3ibPNfI8sSHQNagzjSi0M_1E8hTYaMDuHQzYkllq-4yDd8zW8Zi5-lVbnuPUaBBPosuP6dAmsI28xUFDfNOnEQoDXnu9NQiAEDAsQjq7-CBoKCggIARIEx0VrQQwLEJ3twQkalAEKIgoPbWFqb3IgYXBwbGlhbmNl2qWI9gMLCgkvbS8wMTdfY3oKGwoIcG9ydGFibGXapYj2AwsKCS9hLzdtbl95NwoYCgZyb3V0ZXLapYj2AwoKCC9tLzA2Zjc2ChkKBmdhZGdldNqliPYDCwoJL20vMDJtZjFuChwKCWNhYmluZXRyedqliPYDCwoJL20vMDFzMTA1DA&sxsrf=ALeKk02nriBX1shPn6HtHTU-Bwl7jg1nyw:1607166656254&q=tacx&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi07o-t2rbtAhUGV8AKHSDmDJcQjJkEegQIBhAB&biw=1439&bih=927#imgrc=s30i6ozXqSO1YM ]strikingly similar image[/url] from PicClick; although the listing isn't available I'd guess that the Facebook ad. image came from here (it's the same, just from a different angle).

I'd have been devastated to have lost £550, so it's a good job I asked. I've had no response from another Facebook market place ad. for a Tacx Flux S in Bristol that I suggested I might be able to collect; it's too much of a minefield!


 
Posted : 05/12/2020 11:19 am

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