Don't know if this is legitimate or a scam

[lacey294]

Happy Fourth everyone! 

I got the following message today.  It's a brand new account.  I haven't done a whole lot of search for this person but wanted to come here and ask if this if this is a scam of some kind.  For those who are wondering.....NO, I'm not going to have them send me a shipping label....I'll add a shipping option for them once I figure out if they're legit or not. 

The item in question is a large hanging lamp, for $195 + shipping.

Message reads:

"Hey!
I'm a set dec coordinator on a TV show in New Orleans. 
Our decorator is looking to get his item by early next week. 
Is there anyway I could send you an expedite Fed Ex label?

Barbara Taylor
SET DEC COORDINATOR
"THE PURGE" SEASON 2
Wanted to put contact info. Realized I can't."

[mam98031]

I would just simply respond that if that is the method of shipment they want, you can add the price to the listing.  You do all your own shipping and shipping labels.  No exceptions.

This may or may not be a scam.  I really wouldn't do a bunch of research on it as it just doesn't matter.  Respond as above and then see what happens.  Don't waste a bunch of time doing research that just won't matter as this is something you should NEVER do.

[reallynicestamps]

You could Search ImDB for The Purge cast and crew.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6110648/fullcredits?ref_=tt_cl_sm#cast

I don't see that name, but it's a start.

And you are right.

You control shipping, not the buyer.

She can pay for upgrades, you just can't refuse to sell unless she pays for an upgrade.

[trukur_0]

Nope, I don't consider alternate shipping arrangements.

I certainly wouldn't accept buyer supplied postage labels either.

Here is how I would reply to that message:

Dear Buyer,
All listed items will ship as stated.
Thank you,
Seller

[lacey294]

I just sent them a reply.  Explained what I can and can't do for them.  We'll see. 

[mam98031]

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@lacey294 wrote:

I just sent them a reply.  Explained what I can and can't do for them.  We'll see. 

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Perfect.  Let us know if they write you again and what they say.  Good Job!

[slippinjimmy]

Tell them you would be happy to send it FedEx but NOT using their account/label.

Two reasons:

They may not be authorized to use the account.

They then have control to redirect the shipment which would potentially void your Seller Protection.

Over the years I've sold (or rented) items to film/tv prop people, great customers who are almost always in a dire panic but it's risky because they may not be who they day they are. If they are legit the will be willing to let you ship on your account since they are most interested in delivery deadlines rather than saving money.

[lacey294]

Ugh....they bought the lamp without giving me a chance to change the shipping options.  I messaged them telling them they're stuck with slow shipping unless they request to cancel the order.  What a mess.  

I agree with everything you said.   I hope they aren't renting my lamp.

I've had ppl pay a ridiculous amount for overnight shipping.  It ends up costing me extra, because of added fees.  Oh, well.   

[mam98031]

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@lacey294 wrote:

Ugh....they bought the lamp without giving me a chance to change the shipping options.  I hope they aren't renting my lamp.  I messaged them telling them they're stuck with slow shipping unless they request to cancel the order.  What a mess.  

I agree with everything you said.  I've had ppl pay a ridiculous amount for overnight shipping.  It ends up costing me extra, because of added fees.  Oh, well.   

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That is on them.  You are required to meet the what you state in your listing.  

What you wrote them is exactly what you should have.  They may have decided that they could live with the slow shipping, but it would have been nice for them to write you and tell you that.

[soh.maryl]

Just make absolutely certain that you are paid.

Who shops on eBay for set accessories for TV shows?

There are TV production companies in New Orleans?

[18704d]

"Who shops on eBay for set accessories for TV shows?"

---------

First, yes .. The OP needs to make sure they're paid in your Paypal.

And yes, I've read of eBay being used for a lot of things.  Props for the entertainment industry, too.

I just find it hard to believe a show is in production, and they only recently decided they can't-live-without this piece for their show .. and they must-have-it-that-fast!

Lynn

[7606dennis]

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@lacey294 wrote:

Ugh....they bought the lamp without giving me a chance to change the shipping options.  I messaged them telling them they're stuck with slow shipping unless they request to cancel the order.  What a mess.  

I agree with everything you said.   I hope they aren't renting my lamp.

I've had ppl pay a ridiculous amount for overnight shipping.  It ends up costing me extra, because of added fees.  Oh, well.   

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You can upgrade the shipping at your expense if you desire to do so.  However, you are not permitted to use a lesser shipping method than you advertised in the listing.  You, of course, are not required to do anything other than what is stated in the listing.

You may also upgrade the shipping method at the buyer's request and charge them for the upgrade.  However, I would not agree to ship using a label provided by them.

[mam98031]

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@soh.maryl wrote:

Just make absolutely certain that you are paid.

Who shops on eBay for set accessories for TV shows?

There are TV production companies in New Orleans?

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I've seen a few times where on TV on some talk show or something someone mentioned they found what they needed on Ebay.  Most likely the late night shows.

As for New Orleans, there are a few shows that are filmed in that city.  Some still ongoing shows others have come and gone.  It is a very interesting and colorful city.  Full of history and celebration.

[slippinjimmy]

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@soh.maryl wrote:

Just make absolutely certain that you are paid.

Who shops on eBay for set accessories for TV shows?

There are TV production companies in New Orleans?

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Who? LOTS of them, where do you think they come up with props?

Are there TV Production companies in New Orleans? Are you kidding me?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Film_industry_in_Louisiana

The film industry in Louisiana has grown dramatically in recent years largely due to the state's 2002 tax incentives aimed at attracting film and television companies. The success of Louisiana's film industry caused the state to be nicknamed "Hollywood South" or "Hollywood on the Bayou". In 2013, by some measures, film and television production in Louisiana exceeded that of California for the first time.

[slippinjimmy]

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@lacey294 wrote:

Ugh....they bought the lamp without giving me a chance to change the shipping options.  I messaged them telling them they're stuck with slow shipping unless they request to cancel the order.  What a mess.  

I agree with everything you said.   I hope they aren't renting my lamp.

I've had ppl pay a ridiculous amount for overnight shipping.  It ends up costing me extra, because of added fees.  Oh, well.   

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Why not offer to ship via an express service, they would be happy to pay whatever extra it costs.

As I alluded to in my previous post, for a set/prop person it's not about money, it's about "I need it yesterday".

If you sell vintage stuff a prop buyer can be your very best friend, not only will they come back to you they often will refer you to other people in the industry.