Urban Art Association

is the member new here ?

is the transaction too good to be true ?

do you know the member ?

references ?

seriously - DO NOT under any circumstances RUSH.

With ref to shipping - use a shipper YOU BOTH trust. With appropriate assurances and insurance.

with ref to security - there are a few types of id you can request to confirm , passport / driving license..
(both sides).

... doubt others have gone down this route - notably galleries who frequent the bar... at the back.

Not rushing. It's a fair transaction, from what I can tell. I don't know the member, but he has two forum references (one hasn't been online since 2013). The member has been around since 2011, I believe. Mostly buys from source like me, so I don't think he has a ton of references (but then again, neither do I).

I don't feel like he should have to give me a picture of his passport; I wouldn't give that to any buyer lol

I might as well ask around here - the member is Beefree - if anyone can vouch for him that'd help me.

Also if people can enlighten me re: how they usually pay for pricey works from other members, that'd be helpful.

Absolutely make sure he actually has the artwork in his possession. A photo with your username written on paper next to the artwork. I don't think asking for id is unreasonable either.

My first option would be finding a reputable gallery to act as a middle man for a small fee.

Failing that and depending on where he lives I'd also consider catching a flight and wasting a weekend. You'll save the shipping and crating and remove all worries.

Amex through Paypal. An absolute must.

In a short few days hopefully i can vouch for you. But you've been incredibly up front and honest so far

I would just go pick it up. Paypal takes their 2.9% domestically, and on a $17K purchase, that's more than enough to purchase a ticket for a domestic flight.

You don't have to give copies, just simply show it (cover some of the passport number if you wish) against your face.

Passport is excessive. Next thing you know you'll want

"Two forms of government ID, a police officer there to verify the whole thing, four or five of my buddies and Neal taking notes, and R. Kelly's grandma to confirm his identity"

Listen, 17k is not "cheap" to the majority of the global population nor is it really "cheap" in comparison to the majority of the art traded on here. You must understand that, no? Without questioning your integrity as I do not know you ANY buyer is 100% right to confirm the authenticity of a deal with someone they do not know. Not exactly sure why it would be a hassle at all. Also seems as though you've offered some sensible options for collection.

To be fair, I contacted your references and they either didn't respond or said they don't know who you are, so I'm kind of stuck there. 

And yeah, this is a big purchase for me. Just came on here to ask people advice re: payment options; this whole "hassle" thing is kind of turning me off from the deal because I feel like I'm making very normal requests (unframed pictures, references, etc.).

Ideally I'd like an option that doesn't involve me flying across the United States in an airplane. I also don't think I can find someone local to assist with the deal, unfortunately.

If anyone has any additional advice, please let me know.

Under Paypal, you are very well protected.

There is no way the references I gave you didn't know me unless you asked for me by this internet name...the people I gave you know my ART AGENCY or me in real life. The member on here can go through his messages and see I purchased from him if he can't remember.

Honestly why would I rip you off if I keep telling you to come in IN PERSON to make it less stressful for both of us.

I told you to look at the Instagram of my art Agency that has sold millions in functional glass art. I sold the first ever $100,000 BONG and others past that. Anyone is allowed to look my company's Instagram @12earth and see how many very very expensive glass pieces I put into many many collector's hands. Maybe you guys will learn something about a different art form.

Yes I'm a f**kingasshole...but it's just when people aren't appreciative of someone's time...and that doesn't change my business ethic or honesty. #safezone

Of course! I love teaching people about different art forms!

so when a bong hits the 100k mark, do people still smoke from it or what?