Purchasing machines online

[Pheasant Surprise]

If that's worrying the customer, they can always hop in the car

I *think* the OP does not hail from these here fair isles. Some other isles perhaps in a sea far far away. Might need to hop in a car, then a plane or two, then maybe a train and...another car

 

[renewablejohn]

Have only ever used Mascus abroad but had no problems. Additional checks I did included google maps of the location, checking photo of equipment to identify other equipment for sale by same supplier on the Mascus site. Requested additional photo's from specific angles to prove it was still in stock. Delivery to port included in price and payment only made once shipper confirmed it had been delivered to Quayside and now responsibility of shipper. Paid by direct international bank transfer using Caxton FX payment service.

 

[PSQ]

I've bought some specialist stainless parts for my fert plant from China using Alibaba.
It wasn't quick, and it required a leap of faith. In both cases their English was about as good as my Mandarin, and I had to just go by the pictures in the online catalogue and make a few assumptions.
1st time (iirc) I used Paypal for an order value of about £150 and 2 weeks later a sack arrived at the door containing the parts, I paid about 25p in the £ compared to the UK price.
2nd time 'Austin' sent his bank details, and I paid £600 upfront and thought I'd never see it again...
A month later a 'man in a van' dropped off a wooden crate containing something that would have cost me £1500 quid here
There was an invoice from DHL for 'import duty and admin' but it wasn't much.

If I had bought them from the UK, I suspect that they would have come from the same factories in China.

 

[james ds]

I bought a bucket from Ireland. Didn't hear a thing for two weeks so I phoned .sorry we only manufacturer to pre paid order .after a lot of thought I paid up although felt rather stupid and worried .they have promised delivery Monday

Who did you buy from.

 

[nytexeng]

What exactly is it that you're wanting to buy and where (country will do) are you located? Other than Agriaffaires, outside of the UK/International then Mascus and IronPlanet are pretty well known / these are more aimed at construction and plant than farm machinery though. There are loads of UK websites too, including the classified on here(!) but again comes back to what your wanting.

I've honestly never had to resort to using an escrow service. Depending on where you are in the world, you would be best placed to talk to your bank or FX trader as to who they would recommend or use and get some quotes. Failing that someone like escrow.com are well established.

As said in above posts though, keep doing your basic research (google, check website, ask here, talk to a human) are the first steps to getting some trust going. Buying remotely is always a challenge and a risk.

Oh. Looking for lots of stuffs. Used NH 8060 & 1545 gear boxes especially. I'm located in Malaysia. We mainly deal with rice harvesters of NH make.

My experience with Agriaffaires hasn't been great. My opinion is that they should include possibly a user review section. My first business interaction was with someone who had the intention to con my money.

There is no perfect, safe way of buying machinery.
Best is buying off your local dealer with a good warranty. Simple but more expensive.
Distance buying unseen is relying on a lot of trust from both camps.
Why should the seller trust the buyer to pay after delivery?
Why should the buyer pay up front without knowing the machine is as described?
One persons view of acceptable condition is different to another's. How can the dealer know their isn't a hidden fault unless tested in field conditions?
Buy local is the rule wherever possible!
And new preferably!

I'm looking for good prices & there's almost 0% chance of getting good prices if you resort to buying local.

I *think* the OP does not hail from these here fair isles. Some other isles perhaps in a sea far far away. Might need to hop in a car, then a plane or two, then maybe a train and...another car

Heart's at the Highbury though!

I've bought some specialist stainless parts for my fert plant from China using Alibaba.
It wasn't quick, and it required a leap of faith. In both cases their English was about as good as my Mandarin, and I had to just go by the pictures in the online catalogue and make a few assumptions.
1st time (iirc) I used Paypal for an order value of about £150 and 2 weeks later a sack arrived at the door containing the parts, I paid about 25p in the £ compared to the UK price.
2nd time 'Austin' sent his bank details, and I paid £600 upfront and thought I'd never see it again...
A month later a 'man in a van' dropped off a wooden crate containing something that would have cost me £1500 quid here
There was an invoice from DHL for 'import duty and admin' but it wasn't much.

If I had bought them from the UK, I suspect that they would have come from the same factories in China.

Man those prices from China are always the most competitive, aren't they? Almost no one buys new parts from NH here. Almost all are China-made.

 

[SRRC]

Sounds like you have your wits about you and are doing everything sensible. The only improvement I can suggest is that you find a trusted person in the country of origin who can vouch for the seller.

 

[jorgenbg]

I buy a lot online. Never had any problems, except ones. They did not ship it for weeks. Told them I would report it to the credit card company. Problem solved!

I don't by old agri kit. At least factor in major repairs.