01/14/08 Internet transactions

Internet Transactions The internet has become an important component of the horse industry, a tool for everyone from the back yard hobbyist to the most elite breeding facility, but it's not fool proof. I'm Jeff Keane and I will be back after the break with some tips on internet transactions. The internet can be a lucrative means of marketing virtually anything related to horses but as Susan will attest, you need some safeguards. You are so right Jeff, I recently purchased a saddle using Tack Trader.com. The transaction was flawless, complete with numerous pictures, a sales contract and a three day trial but I admit, transferring funds made me a bit nervous. I protected myself by checking references, developing a rapport with the seller and paying though Pay Pal. Scams do exist though, like the buyer who wants to pay with a cashier check for more than the sales amount and requests the difference in a refund. A big red flag! So are non- horse terms or odd wording in email inquiries. Remember that any pictures or videos posted to your web site, can be stolen and your web page could be linked to an undesirable contact. On the buyers behalf a seller should never exaggerate the horse's ability. Clear photography and honesty are hallmarks of a good transaction. Like I say, if a picture is worth a thousand words, it better be a good picture. The internet is not fool proof, but neither is a auction or the classifieds. With nearly 70 percent of our country on-line, your computer could become a valuable equine connection