International purchase by Western Union
September 17, 2020 2:43 PM Subscribe
I want to buy something, cost ~US$300 including shipping, from an artisan in Peru who has only a Facebook page online. The Facebook page makes the artisan seem very legit to me, but he only accepts payment by Western Union. Is there anything I should do to, well, reduce the risk of being ripped off or give myself some recourse if I am?
I googled his name and found multiple hits including this one. Haven't dug further but if he has multiple listings in local publications, art/craft sites, etc., this underlines the legitimacy - especially if any of those point to the same FB page you are buying from.
If he has a shop address, looking it up on google maps street view is another way to verify the business.
You could also check with Western Union about their policy regarding fraud (unlikely that they'd refund your money, but ... never hurts to ask) or how they vet the businesses that use them.
posted by bunderful at 3:53 PM on September 17, 2020
If he has a shop address, looking it up on google maps street view is another way to verify the business.
You could also check with Western Union about their policy regarding fraud (unlikely that they'd refund your money, but ... never hurts to ask) or how they vet the businesses that use them.
posted by bunderful at 3:53 PM on September 17, 2020
Best answer: While I can’t speak to the artist being trustworthy or not, I can say that paying via WU from the US to South America is very common and not a red flag and of itself. South American economies are much more complicated and unreliable than in places like North America and Canada but WU generally offers the best rates & most trust.
You could offer to pay for half of it in advance and then send the other half when the art arrives. They may say no but please keep in mind you can always walk away from this if it starts feeling uncomfortable. If your gut is telling you no, then maybe just wait!
posted by smorgasbord at 8:11 PM on September 17, 2020
You could offer to pay for half of it in advance and then send the other half when the art arrives. They may say no but please keep in mind you can always walk away from this if it starts feeling uncomfortable. If your gut is telling you no, then maybe just wait!
posted by smorgasbord at 8:11 PM on September 17, 2020
Response by poster: That's exactly it right there. I believe the artist is legit, I texted with him on Facebook Messenger and nothing was hinky whatsoever, my gut (that I usually do trust) says everything is fine... except this Western Union thing. But if that is NOT a red flag, then I think I'm good. Yay! Beautiful retablos for me!
posted by pH Indicating Socks at 8:26 PM on September 17, 2020
posted by pH Indicating Socks at 8:26 PM on September 17, 2020
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Perhaps schedule a WhatsApp video call in his studio? Or at minimum have a WhatsApp message exchange?
Ask for references from other US-based customers?
Ask if he would be willing to accept PayPal (not friends/family) if you pay the extra fees it costs?
Recourse options:
Posting negative reviews/writing a negative blog post
If using PayPal (not friends/family), you can ask for a refund through PayPal
As an artist:
It is a pain to sell things internationally due to differing currencies and companies you each are willing to work with and such. I myself do not like to receive large amounts in PayPal because I refuse to link my bank account to it to withdraw it so it just sits in there until I spend enough on eBay or other sites that draw from PayPal funds. So I sympathize with the artisan - it is difficult.
posted by vegartanipla at 3:29 PM on September 17, 2020