Newbie in need of sage advice

[boatbum101]

Make a long story short I bought 2 guns from a guy off the forum here.Returned 1 as I didn't think it was as represented.Return was mutually agreed upon.It was delivered back to his FFL 6 almost 7 days ago.I e-mailed him & asked that he inspect gun & to determine if it was in condition shipped to me.He replied he was away from home & it would be 5 days before he could pick it up.OK no problem we've all been stuck on the job,it happens.Asked that he let me know when refund was on the way.Haven't heard a word since.Should I call FFL to see if gun has been picked up ? Should I just chill out & wait a few more days ? Frankly not hearing from him is making me uneasy.I did pay with a USPO money order.If it goes south does this give me any protection as far as getting my money back ? How do I avoid situations like this in the future ? Thanks,
Andy

 

[Wheelgunner840]

How long has it been since he has supposedly returned to pick up the gun? I would give him another call or e-mail after a week to see if the check back to you has been mailed. I would allow a reasonable amount of time, but would ask to be notified the day the check was sent.

This is why I always insist on having a direct phone conversations with anyone that I do business with on-line. I have gotten to speak with some fine people over the years.

A USPS money order can be used to file mail fraud charges if he has cashed it. I hope you held on to the receipt with both of your names and addresses on it. Without that stub, you have no claim. Give it some time first, and keep trying to make contact with this person ASAP to find out what's going on.

 

[oldRoger]

I have had quite a few dealings here on the forum, nothing but straight shooters except for one group buy which was finally straightened out.
I don't think it would be out of line to call the FFL you shipped to and check to see whether it had been picked up.

After that I would council patience. Make certain that you have exactly followed the agreed on time frame.

If you call again I would follow up with an email restating exactly what you agreed to on the phone.

 

[crofoot629]

I think the onus is on both of you to resolve things quickly and to stay in close communication.
It sounds like you've done your part.

If he is not returning your calls and emails when he indicated that he would, I'd not be particularly patient, unless the other party had given me good reason to believe they would do the right thing.

I would not make this a public Forum matter though. I'd contact lee, the Forum owner, and seek any help he was willing to offer.

Good Luck,
Emory

 

[sar4937]

In regards to how to avoid problems in the future, the seller had good decent photos in the ad. If there are questions about what you will be getting, ask for more photos. When I am looking at photos, I blow them up with the magnification tool at the lower right of the screen. I go all the way up to 400% if needed. If there is something you want to see in particular, like top strap erosion, ask for a picture. I usually have a pretty good feel for someone after two or three emails. I am wary of low post numbers, but an honest seller will give you all the info about themselves freely.