Q:

Dr. Margolies,


I saw one of your postings for an Insight 7000 with an older IBM laptop for sale for 
$5800. I've been DYING to get one and thought this was a good deal.  I called the
doctor, he's in NY, I'm in VT.  How do I go about doing this?  Do I just
have to go on good faith that when if I send him the money he will  A)
actually send me the equipment and  B) it will be in good working order?
What could I do to protect myself?  I would have to take a loan out from the
Credit Union here to pay for this and I just don't want to be stupid about
the whole thing. By the way, he's selling it because he wants to buy another one brand 
new.He bought the equipment a year and a half ago from another D.C. and supposedly it 
has all the updated software on it.


Thanks for your help as always!

A:

Thanks for the e-mail and question. I just supply the forum and do not take any 
responsibility .. after saying this .. yes it goes on trust and faith.

I would recommend the following. First .. how much would a new machine cost and 
usually these companies have a leasing agent that helps you finance it. Two .. if you think 
the price is right then discuss the mechanics of purchase with the seller .. I would possibly 
pay half and the other half upon delivery and determining the quality .. this way you 
equally share the responsibility. If I were the seller .. I would have you pay with a 
cashier's check or money order .. as I must also trust your money is good. See if he takes a 
charge card .. you can call your company .. put the money in the account and purchase it 
this way and have their safeguards if the machine doesn't work to your liking. Be sure you 
have some guarantee that if it malfunctions upon opening the box you have a money back 
guarantee .. again .. if I were the seller ..I would sell it "as is" .. but as a courtesy .. if it 
didn't work within a day or two I'd probably have them return it .. maybe it is still under 
warranty.

In conclusion .. if you feel good about it .. go for it

Have a Great Day

Dr. M