[Interest?] Escrow + Goods Inspection Service

[Dalkore]

Update 10/24/2012:  After really putting more thought into this, I am going to move forward to get this service setup for people.  I know I can provide value to disassociated parties and maintain a high integrity on various deals.  I will have my name nailed down tonight and work on the website over the weekend.  I will also be contacting my shipper to let him know to expect more packages and to have an area set aside for the goods.  The process is almost finalized and I think people will be happy on how I am handling their transaction.


I wanted to get people's feel for an escrow service for their transactions?   I have an office in Seattle with space to hold and test goods.   I would charge a small percentage on the transaction & verification (buyer pays).

With GPU mining coming to an end and me winding my operation down, I am looking at helping the community in other ways.   I am computer & electronics savvy so I can do basic testing on most equipment.  I also have a background in music & tools so I can review those as well.   I would ask for the buyers expectations and the seller's representation of the item and making sure they match before release of goods and funds.   Any discrepancies would be sent to the buyer for additional feedback.


Would you be interested in a service like this?

[Bia Yao Ma]

Yes I would, this is a good idea and needed service. A lot of hardware will be changing hands over the next six months.

[SgtSpike]

Rename the thread title to "Escrow + Goods Inspection Service".  What you describe is more than just escrow.

How is security at your office?  Are you there during normal delivery hours every day?  What happens when a delivery happens when you are not there?  I am just thinking, if everyone knows the address of your office, and knows that expensive hardware is being delivered there, perhaps daily, then it could make for a fairly easy crime of opportunity the first moment you aren't at your office and packages are dropped at/near your door.

I think it would be an interesting service, but it would definitely increase expenses.  Instead of paying for one shipment, two shipments now have to be paid for, plus whatever percentage you plan to take.  That said, I do believe it is a service people would be willing to pay for in some cases.

[Dalkore]

Rename the thread title to "Escrow + Goods Inspection Service".  What you describe is more than just escrow.

How is security at your office?  Are you there during normal delivery hours every day?  What happens when a delivery happens when you are not there?  I am just thinking, if everyone knows the address of your office, and knows that expensive hardware is being delivered there, perhaps daily, then it could make for a fairly easy crime of opportunity the first moment you aren't at your office and packages are dropped at/near your door.

I think it would be an interesting service, but it would definitely increase expenses.  Instead of paying for one shipment, two shipments now have to be paid for, plus whatever percentage you plan to take.  That said, I do believe it is a service people would be willing to pay for in some cases.

Great questions:

How is security at your office? - It has controlled access with 24 hour video surveillance on all floors and exits.   I am not on the ground floor (higher than 20 feet).  I know my neighbors and we have extremely limited foot traffic.  


Are you there during normal delivery hours every day? - I would be making daily trips to the Receivers.  I would actually have them come to a private mailbox address that has daily hours and signs for them.   I have been using one for over 6 years and they are great.  Tracking would be required with no exceptions.

I am just thinking, if everyone knows the address of your office, and knows that expensive hardware is being delivered there, perhaps daily, then it could make for a fairly easy crime of opportunity the first moment you aren't at your office and packages are dropped at/near your door. - That is why I am using a reputable PO to eliminate that risk for the most part.  I would not post the verification & storage location publicly, just the shipping address.

After contemplating it, I do have all the infrastructure needed to do it.   I care about my reputation way more than a quick buck.  I would get the shipping address when I do the estimate so I can getting shipping cost handled, right then.  Plus, I like doing the things that would revolve around running it.   I know equipment, know how to research, if needed.    

[Dalkore]

Bump for update.  Thank You.


Dalkore

[SgtSpike]

Good answers, thanks.  As Bia mentioned, I think this could be a valuable service to those who need it.