Overseas transactions

[Tom Kochtanek]

Colleagues:

Do any of you have any experiences or suggestions for brokering a long distance transaction with someone in another country (in this case, France)?

How can one be assured that monies sent were in fact not subject to a "scam" and what might be some of the costs associated with tariffs and transshipment of something such as a vehicle?

I've never done such a transaction and was wondering if anyone had any experience or advise. Perhaps a third party that could serve as an escrow agent? When conducting such a transaction within the US one can turn to sources such as the federal Post Office for government-secured money orders (which I understand are protection for the buyer from fraudulent intentions on the part of the seller). Are there similar solutions on an international level that would protect a buyer from being the subject of a fraudulent transaction?

Thanks in advance,
TomK

[fatride]

If it involves big money (for me that would be $4000.00 or more) I would hop on a plane and deal first hand, or hire an agent. ;)

[Tom Kochtanek]

Fatride:

Good suggestions. It is "big money" to me ($10Kish) and I was thinking France might be nice this time of year :)

Problem is there is some urgency in this, and I am currently already out of town for two more weeks (hey, my wife won't know I'm gone!) and thus travel is limited. Starting July I am "unemployed"again for two months (hence the quip that goes: "I got involved in teaching for 3 reasons: June, July and August :)) and wil have more "free time".

I was looking into locating a "scout" who for a fee would verify some realities of the potential deal for me. Not sure how to go about that...

Also need a failsafe means for third party brokering of the monies, if we get that far. As you might expect, this involves a vehicle from the 60s, but not a "W" car....

Any other thoughts or suggestions out there?

Best,
TomK