Sorry this man but that's why I urge people against using marketplace for high priced items. I don't care if you're in the same city as a person always get the $ first then ship the item to avoid this happening.
You're probably already doing this, but if there are any pawn shops nearby they would definitely be worth checking out. Even anything a decent drive away, probably. Good luck to you!
I hope they have camera in that location. I have sold items on Facebook Marketplace and each time I either meet inside or outside a police station or near the entrance of large grocery store like Walmart, Kroger, etc. I also screenshot the Facebook profile and communications with the potential buyers. When they send their "numbers" for me to contact them directly, I decline and let them know I want to keep the communications on FB marketplace for their security and mine. I'm pretty sure this lowlife will be caught.
One time I went with my wife, she was in the car recording me and the guy with a long zoom lens,,,I deleted afterwards. Had to do that because I had already committed to meeting the guy but had second thoughts after I went through our communications. Luckily, he purchased the camera (canon R6) without incident.
sungphoto wrote:
Unfortunately, even meeting at a bank isn't necessarily a good safeguard.
A guy tried to steal a 5DSR in the same way as the OP in the waiting area of a Chase bank in Union Square in Manhattan. Skinny caucasian guy pretends to check out the camera and then bolts out the door. I ran after him for a couple blocks, screaming that he had just stolen my camera, and thankfully a delivery guy stepped out and tackled him onto his back. I took the camera back (it was in the original box so it didn't get damaged in the fall thankfully). He ran off and when I called the cops from the bank, the guys who responded basically said that it's not worth filing a police report, probably because they didn't want to do the work. ...Show more →
Both disturbing and sad. For some high ticket items in my kit, if I feel the need to sell, I just take a hit and trade them in. I make less $$$ but avoid the potential hassle. YMMV.
NikonFujiGuy wrote:
Both disturbing and sad. For some high ticket items in my kit, if I feel the need to sell, I just take a hit and trade them in. I make less $$$ but avoid the potential hassle. YMMV.
On the plus side, I felt like a scene out of a movie running a thief down in Manhattan. Bless that delivery driver for clipping him with his shoulder to send him sprawling haha
I just started using Facebook Marketplace. Have sold several film cameras and bought a few without incident so far. I do like to do my business inside of McDonalds or DD.
This really sucks. I wouldn't imagine thieves are so brazen to rob people in broad daylight at a public place. I have done face to face transactions a few times, but all were low value items and with established members here. I'll think twice when selling high value gear next time.
To make you feel better, I had my Canon 1D and 300/2.8IS stolen in Canada more than 20 years ago. Because I had the serial numbers reported to the RCMP, they actually found my 1D when they raided some kind of gangster's hangout. They mailed me back my 1D for free and with a bonus 17-40 attached to it (not mine). My 300/2.8IS was never recovered but at least it wasn't a totally loss. There's hope, be strong.
sungphoto wrote:
He ran off and when I called the cops from the bank, the guys who responded basically said that it's not worth filing a police report, probably because they didn't want to do the work.
I've encountered this many times when I've gone with friends to file police reports when they, in a moment of sympathetic honesty, tell you that they are so hilariously understaffed to pursue serious criminals that your petty theft will never end up on their radar. I'd rather hear that than do all the paperwork and then hope and wonder in vain. In some jurisdictions, they don't even have time to investigate stolen cars - these are recovered if they are found crashed into a ditch somewhere after a joy ride or being used in a robbery.
Sorry to hear about this, and hope you'll find the camera.
What a great shot with owl, just amazing!!!
BTW, filing a police report may be useful for dealing with insurance. In some cases if home insurance covers personal property, it may also cover the loss even if it's stolen from your hands far away from home.
When I heard about that first time I couldn't believe it's true, but it's a first person story by my friends. They accidentally forgot a backpack with spare camera equipment on the bus station, and of course it vanished when they urgently returned. It happened in state far away from home, yet insurance called to police department, confirmed report and paid for the loss.
Sorry to hear. Any chance you have PPA or similar insurance? Would they pay you now that you have the police report ? To me sounds like an easier strategy. After all if you were selling it means you were ready to let it go no?
Anyhow. Best of luck and stay safe. Thieve might also be monitoring online forums like this one to check what are you reacting to it
Sorry to hear this! Hope justice prevails for you.
Pre-paid or cash only and inside a busy business with surveillance. Buyer gives me the cash first. Buyer looks at camera, lens or item. If they want it; I keep the cash. If not; I give them the cash back or issue pre-paid refund. Not perfect but worked so far for me. Planned armed robbery inside a surveilled business? Unlikely but they are not usually criminal masterminds. If you aren't quicker; give them the goods and hope.
This has to feel terrible. I would be so mad and anxious. I feel for you.
I know people sell this way, but my God I would never even sell a nintendo switch by meeting strangers in person who wanna buy it. F***k that jazz. Lesson learned I hope 🤞
KarmaKramer wrote:
This has to feel terrible. I would be so mad and anxious. I feel for you.
I know people sell this way, but my God I would never even sell a nintendo switch by meeting strangers in person who wanna buy it. F***k that jazz. Lesson learned I hope 🤞
I guess each method has pros/and cons. I see the merit of a in person, all cash transaction. as a seller, you are done with the item for good. on ebay, I have had quite a few tricky buyers than next claim they never got the item and have to refund them.
of course, in person I would never accept paypal or anything, as the buyer can then claim/file a chargeback, and you might be out of the money and the item.
