Scammers-August 22, 2010

In my never ending search for a GS 150 Airbox, I posted several "WTB" threads on some scooter forums and scoot.net classifieds. The scammers came out of the woodwork. One guy going by Franco Peroni claimed he was from the UK, and when I asked to see photos of the airbox, he attached an image of a V5 that is the first image when you do a google search for "Vespa GS 150". He stated that he was going to part out the scooter. This was a good looking scooter that no one would part. What an idiot.

So be careful. Personally, I don't trust buying anything oversees unless it is from an actual shop. Don't use Western Union or MoneyGram. There is no protection using these services. Once the money is wired, it is gone. Even Ebay won't offer any protection outside the US.

If you are buying a high priced item in the US, check out this service www.escrow.com. It is a bit pricey. Around $25.00 for anything up to $5000.00, but at least you won't get burnt.

If anyone has any other suggestions for services that will offer the buyer some form of protection for purchasing parts, scooters, etc, I would love to hear them.

I am leaving today for Ireland and Scotland for a week vacation, but when I get back, I will have the time for some needed updating on the scooter progress.

Scooter Shops-August 11, 2010

Normally I wouldn't post something like this, but I've been amazed at the poor service I've been receiving while ordering parts from the big scooter shops. One place messed my order up the first time and sent the wrong parts. They tried a second time, and since I was in a hurry, I paid for the 1-3 day priority shipping. It took them five days to fill the order. I believe the whole affair took almost 3 weeks from my first order. Another shop's online system was down and everytime I called I got the "we will call you back. If you don't hear from us by 5pm, call us back." This happened for 3 days straight. Do I really have to beg you to take my money?

Personally, I've found ScooterWest to be quick, accurate, and reliable.

http://www.scooterwest.com/

Pride of Cleveland has also been extremely helpful when I have called or stopped in.

http://www.clevelandscooters.com/

To be fair I have not ordered from these folks, so I don't know, but I've heard good things.

http://www.scootermercato.com/