How can I safely purchase Airstream online?

[sukiandmarc]

Hello -

My husband and I are in the process of purchasing a '74 Tradewind online. Can anyone advise the safest/fairest way to make this transaction?

I will be paying with a cashiers check.
Thanks!

[robandzoe]

Pay a deposit only and then pay remainder when you see the trailer. If you get there, and it is not as described, you have a bargaining chip. Good luck. Also, make sure you talk on phone before to make sure seller is legit and not an Ebay scam in the making!

Rob

[sukiandmarc]

We're lucky in that they've agreed to transport it down to us - I'm planning on finalizing all the details (down payment, contract, deposit, etc) tonight on the phone.

Thanks for your help!

[overlander63]

Welcome to the forums!
The way Rob stated, is also the way I would want to conduct the deal.
Good luck with your new coach, and be sure to post pictures.

[sukiandmarc]

Thank you both for the advice!
I'll cross my fingers that the seller will be happy with that plan becuase I've already fallen in "love" with the thing!

[InsideOut]

You may also want to take advantage of the volunteers here online

"So you want to buy a trailers 3 states away..."

just to verify that everything is legit even prior to making a deposit. Even if it's closer but you are not able to inspect it personally prior to consumating the deal, an extra set of eyes helps.

The sooner you confirm you are working with a legitimate seller & trailer, the more at ease you all will be.

Shari

[robandzoe]

Where is this trailer online, as maybe we can virtually help you by seeing a picture as well. Things from pictures others can see so that you know what you are getting. Also, Shari has a good point, by getting a member to help you by checking it over. Where is this Trade Wind in question. Maybe post a picture here.

Rob

[juel]

If it's anywhere in Oklahoma, I'd be happy to take a look at it for you. Judy

[sukiandmarc]

All of your suggestions were fantastic - I contacted a friend of ours who lives 45 minutes away from the trailer

(I didn't think of him originally because he has no interest/knowledge regarding Airstreams, buttold him what to look for and asked him to take some more pics) so he's supposed to call us tonight before I commit myself.

I only have a few pictures downloaded on this computer, the website address and other pics are at home...let me see if I can upload them, however, they may not be enough for someone to form an opinion with.

Mostly, I was concerned as to how the transaction should be handled.
Anyway, thanks again to everyone.

PS...tried to upload, didn't work, needs a link that I don't have here at work...

[sukiandmarc]

Uploaded two photo's in Member Photo's on the 3rd page of "S". If anyone can make a judgement call from these two small photo's let me know -Thanks

[overlander63]

From the exterior photos, it looks like it is in reasonable shape. I did notice that there is a picnic table strategically placed to block view of the axles.
Little scrapes and stone dings are to be expected on a trailer this old, as long as they are not excessive. The photos show reasonable wear and tear for its age.

[yochanan]

Make sure the VIN number on the trailer matches the title--perfectly.

[sukiandmarc]

More useful info -Thanks to all!

[Jim Jarzabek]

What is fair for both Buyer and Seller involved in an online transaction is....

Buyer: Don't have unrealistic expectations about what you are buying.....
Ask to see pictures - if you don't see what you like then ask for more.
If you don't like what you see then don't buy it.
Ask the Seller to write down in an email an accurate description of the trailer condition. If you want a description of a particular item then ask.
Inform yourself about what you should know by taking advantage of the information in these forums. It is going to be your trailer. You should take the time to learn what to know & what questions to ask about a used trailer, if you don't want to learn then buy a new one.
Write down all the terms of the transaction you both understand and agree to in an email.

Seller: Don't make unrealistic representations of what you are selling...
Be truthful by providing as many pictures as possible. Take more if the Buyer asks for more. Answer by email any questions asked. Make sure the Buyer understands the condition of your trailer and the terms of the conditions of the transaction before the money changes hands.

You are both conducting a transaction over a distance because you both wish to conduct business in this manner.
Don't use this as a bargaining tool after the sale........

[geosouth]

Congratulations on finding the object of your soon to obessesion! Online is a very predatory, non-recourse world. You have received some good thoughts here in the forum. You may want to give extra consideration to an escrow account for the tranaction. There is a company you can find at www.escrow.com that will ensure you don't get burned. Well worth the few pennies per $100.00 that it will cost you. the you 'love' this trailer is good, it is also an indication to an unscrupulous seller/scammer that they 'got you!' I don't mean to be too cynical but I also was going to buy an AS online and when I insisted on an escrow account the would be seller (determined at that moment to be scammer) refused and tried fervently to convince me that 'Square Trade' was 'like' an escrow company. I swore off an online purchase and found a well kept AS with in an afternoons drive.

'Caveat Emptor'