Making a Meerschaum Online Purchase via Western Union Money Transfer

[cjgoh]

Hi Pipers,
I was wondering if anyone can give me some advice on whether buying a Meerschaum online by way of money transfer Western Union? Like, is it safe? Is it reliable? The pros and cons, etc.
Much appreciate any input on this.

 

[Perique]

If buying from Turkey, 1) don't do it, 2) search this forum.

 

[numbersix]

If buying from Turkey, 1) don't do it, 2) search this forum.

+1
Personally, I would look elsewhere if I were you - it sounds a bit fishy to me.

 

[cjgoh]

Thanks sothron & numbersix; what about Money Transfer purchase from Storient or Altinok?

 

[jerry]

I've had many positive customer experiences with Altinok. I'd buy from him again.

 

[onepyrotec]

My two cents worth would be to not even THINK about buying from Storient.
And to be safe, I'd use a CC or paypal for any purchase from a different country. If something happens, you can fall back on your CC or paypal for refunds. What does Western Union offer for help is something goes wrong? I have never used them so I don't know how or if they help of your pipe shows up damaged.
There are advertisers on this site who carry Turkish Meers. (although I still wouldn't buy a Storient from them personally)

 

[cigrmaster]

If you use a wire transfer to buy a pipe from a turkish seller, chances are you will never see your pipe. Forget Storient and Altinok, their reputations suck, and buy from an American dealer who accepts credit cards. Never wire transfer money to a company period. If a company does not accept credit cards it means that the credit card companies shut them off because of too many charge backs.

 

[john218]

I have seen numerous reports saying that one sign the transaction is a fraud is the requirement to use Western Union for payment.
Follow the advice you're getting here and stay away. It's the voice of experience.

 

[dnietosi]

No Western Union. Never again for me at least! Go cc or paypal.