What are the risks paying with Western Union?

I have heard a lot of people talk about problems they've had paying for items via Western union. I just want to know what are the problems, why does everyone recommend against it? I am currently talking to one supplier who has told me, that when I make a payment to Western Union, he doesn't receive the funds until I have seen and satisfied with the products once they have arrived. That seems fairly safe and secure to me. So what are the problems with Western Union?

With Western Union there is no way of finding out who actually withdrew your money. You only need an id to withdraw it. They can just use a fake id. Then they can just disappear. Even if you password protect it they will still get around it. You also can't really trace your money. Once it is withdrawn, its gone forever from you and the WU system.

Read this and it should help you decide: Link hidden: Login to view

It is only recommend to use if you personally KNOW and TRUST the person 100%.

I have been buying hip hop wear from a vender in China. He only accepts bank transfers or Western Union. I made a purchase of 3 pair of jeans and paid for them. In my emails to him I said my name was Jim, he went to WU and could not pick up the money because I had sent the money in the name of James. As soon as I gave him my James name he picked up the money and sent the jeans via EMS. He picked up the money on Tuesday and I received the jeans Express Mail from the US Postal Service on Saturday, four days later and on a postal holiday(vets day).

:( My first total was only for $110 but I had to pay a $14 fee for WU charge. I sold the 3 pairs of jeans for $100 each. :lol: I have now ordered some hoodies and NFL jerseys for $300 that I hope to sell for $750 or more. 8)

I would say if you want to use Western Union do so on a small order and build your way up as your confidence in the supplier grows.

Any endevor has risks, using WU is on I'm willing to try.

I am getting in to urban/hip hop clothes.

:D

very good reply sicpuppy.

As you all know sending money via western union has its risks. And most buyers dont want to take that risk. Especially when dealing with overseas companies. The best thing is to avoid. But sellers that are willing to take a risk, they can contact the company and work out a small test with the company to ensure they are legit and they can produce the product.

In business we all take risks and thats just part of doing business wether it be trying new products to sell or new suppliers.

Just be carfull that you dont get burned. Ive heard way too many people say they have lost thousands do to fraud.

How does WU differ from say paypal? Does WU offer any security at all if you get scammed?

No WesternUnion has very little protection. Sending money western Union was originally designed for Person To Person Transfers with no hassle. Paypal has buyer resolution programs and some seller protection. They will also fight for you on a dispute if you have a chargeback which is false.

The jeans I ordered were fake Red Monkey, but the quality was very good. The seller was very helpful. I think I will be doing more business. with him.

There is no safe guards with WU. Just use common sense, don't order too much at one time. You will not be risking as much money and Customs may not be as interested in you if you receive small shipments. Large shipments may peak their interest and get you a customs charge, :evil: or worse, inpounding and storing of you merchendise.

I find think most of the vendors in china are just wanting a piece of the american pie, and not out to rip us off.

I must say be careful when increasing your orders also. I worked with one supllier for several small test orders. When I increased my orders to larger amounts the supplier split with my funds and I was out of luck. Sometimes scammers will try to build your confidence up before they do the scam. They want big money most of the time and not petty cash. In general be careful and all transactions have some risk. Even the secure methods can be a headache when it comes to getting your money back. I prefer letters of credit these days and don't mess with any other forms of payment. I want my bank and there bank talking all the time. I also include my lawyer in the transactions.