Making a classifieds purchase for a Zen Cobalt.

[OCDP]

Well I have went from wanting a ZAP and skipping to wanting a Zen PV instead. The Zen Cobalt has never left my brain ever since I seen the pictures, just a beauty. But it seems like it will be virtually impossible to get one brand new and well, I'm also very impatient.

I posted a WTB ad for one and received a PM from someone. All sounds well, it's unused in great shape, comes with everything I need... but I am very hesitant and worried about making a purchase like this from someone I don't know.

This would be my first ECF Classifieds purchase and a BIG one. I want to make sure I do this properly, and if that means asking for help like I am right now then so be it. I am a complete noob with things like PayPal as well. I'd have to be paying via credit card through PayPal.

I really want to make the purchase, I've checked the users classified score and it's all positive for what it's worth.

Some of you really know your way around the forum and classifieds section. If it's not asking too much I could really use some of your help and experience in making sure I do this right and don't get screwed!

I appreciate your time!

 

[Projectguy]

Zens are works of art much like a Lamborghini.

I have a Sidewinder, a Mini SN 0063, a Standard SN 0089 and a ZAP. I have wet dreams about a Cobalt but that will come in time.

As far as the Classifieds go there is a rule that it is a max mark up of 20% so that could put you into the $350 range. Now you seller may respect those guidelines or not, you're technically not in the Classies. While a lot of good folk may think that exorbitant once you've fixed all the quirks it will be a PV for life.

And if you do pull the trigger I'll be happy to help out as much as I can. I've learnt the hard way.

Paypal: Easy and safe. Get set up immediately.

Shipping: Don't have to go overboard but get a tracking number maybe insurance but that's up to you and your cost. Private packages are usually 6 to 10 business days and USPS does not necessarily do a good job with tracking numbers.

Customs: My ZAP spent 42 day in customs / Canada Healthcare. They can't turn it back it is not a medical device and there will ne no juice in the device. If by the luck of the draw it gets held up at least its "safe" it's just a pain in the ....

Zen - Family Reunion: If you've got sometime check out the thread. Its where the Zenfidels hangout and you'll be part of the Family. If your seller is a regular you can buy with confidence.

Let me know if I've missed anything

 

[Nubbie]

Number one thing I can't stress enough, in Paypal do not send the money as a gift. Make sure you select you are buying something!

Also using the credit card to paypal is the best way, you might end up paying a little more in fees 1% or something, but the protection you get is worth it.

We can talk in depth on Friday if you want.
Cheers

 

[Royaldrunker]

i see your from calgary, not sure how close you are to the border but if you open a us mailbox and have it delivered there the wait is minimial there.. i know people dont like delivering to mailboxes sometimes but ya never know. check with the seller

 

[OCDP]

Great information here, thank you guys very much.

Projectguy: What do you mean when you say get the quirks out and it will be a PV for life? I have read that there have been some issues with the Cobalt but the seller assures me the one he's selling has that issue fixed and it works without issue.

It's a lot of money to spend. I've been second guessing it, but in the end I was going to buy a brand new ZAP which are not cheap, I might as well go a little further and get the mod that goes with the atty. The seller has a great feedback from ECF which definitely makes a difference in me purchasing from the classifieds.

I have received pictures of the pv and it appears to be in mint condition, everything checks out. I suppose now it's all up to me to pull the trigger. Yet another spontaneous impulse Christmas gift to myself....

I'm going to wait until later today to send the money so if anyone else has their two cents to contribute please feel free. Again a big thanks for the information provided so far, really appreciate it.

 

[bk78]

I buy and sell on there all the time with no problems. If he has a good rating chances are there will be no problems. It's customs that is the pain in the ..... I currently am waiting on a provari mini,Orion V2,AGA-T and a QZI Megatron hybrid and a couple other little things to clear customs. I'd go with it if I were you. Excellent mod you will be purchasing.

 

[OCDP]

That's quite the haul you're waiting on haha.

I am kind of dreading the customs as well, funny how some things clear no problem but others will get snagged for what seems like all of eternity. My Provari from Provape didn't sit at customs long at all, and they marked the box as electronic flashlight or something.

Anyhow, I definitely think I'm going to go for it. It'll be my last mod for some time..

This might be a really stupid question, but it's something I keep thinking about more and more. Why exactly are these mods so costly?? What makes them so unique that justifies the price tag? Don't get me wrong, I'm a sucker and I'll buy it simply because of the look and how well it functions, they've got a hell of a reputation for a reason. I just can't figure out why they cost so dang much?

 

[bk78]

That's quite the haul you're waiting on haha.

I am kind of dreading the customs as well, funny how some things clear no problem but others will get snagged for what seems like all of eternity. My Provari from Provape didn't sit at customs long at all, and they marked the box as electronic flashlight or something.

Anyhow, I definitely think I'm going to go for it. It'll be my last mod for some time..

This might be a really stupid question, but it's something I keep thinking about more and more. Why exactly are these mods so costly?? What makes them so unique that justifies the price tag? Don't get me wrong, I'm a sucker and I'll buy it simply because of the look and how well it functions, they've got a hell of a reputation for a reason. I just can't figure out why they cost so dang much?

Last mod for a long time haha that's what I said lol. The reason they are so expensive is they are all hand made. Ya I overspent a little this month but oh well merry Christmas to me. The build quality is second to none. Just do it you won't regret it. If you don't like it they keep they're value and you'll be able to sell it with no problems. Hell I might even buy it if you don't like it haha

 

[chagrin]

This might be a really stupid question, but it's something I keep thinking about more and more. Why exactly are these mods so costly?? What makes them so unique that justifies the price tag? Don't get me wrong, I'm a sucker and I'll buy it simply because of the look and how well it functions, they've got a hell of a reputation for a reason. I just can't figure out why they cost so dang much?

Things are worth what people will pay for them.

Plus you're paying for American build quality and Americans making a decent wage, instead of Chinese factory workers getting screwed over.

 

[Projectguy]

You should be fine.

The biggest issue is that of the anodizing on the thread inside of the switch. This is. Easily removed by using Easy Off or a Dremel with a wire brush attachment.

In either case be careful.

A slip of the hand will ruin it.

I would assume that by the time you read this the deal will be done. Wbo is your seller?

Great information here, thank you guys very much.

Projectguy: What do you mean when you say get the quirks out and it will be a PV for life? I have read that there have been some issues with the Cobalt but the seller assures me the one he's selling has that issue fixed and it works without issue.

It's a lot of money to spend. I've been second guessing it, but in the end I was going to buy a brand new ZAP which are not cheap, I might as well go a little further and get the mod that goes with the atty. The seller has a great feedback from ECF which definitely makes a difference in me purchasing from the classifieds.

I have received pictures of the pv and it appears to be in mint condition, everything checks out. I suppose now it's all up to me to pull the trigger. Yet another spontaneous impulse Christmas gift to myself....

I'm going to wait until later today to send the money so if anyone else has their two cents to contribute please feel free. Again a big thanks for the information provided so far, really appreciate it.

 

[Projectguy]

And..............??????

 

[Jables]

And..............??????

He probably had to meet someone in a back alley of Buenos Aires for the exchange.

 

[DuaneNeveu]

Projectguy: What do you mean when you say get the quirks out and it will be a PV for life? I have read that there have been some issues with the Cobalt but the seller assures me the one he's selling has that issue fixed and it works without issue.

If the device is "unused", how can the seller assure you of no issues? Were the issues unrelated to things that come up during use?

Why exactly are these mods so costly??

One word...materials. Apparently, no expense is spared in the materials used to manufacture these works.

 

[OCDP]

Sorry for the late response, been busy with work and Christmas, bla bla bla.

I did make the deal and felt somewhat nauseous after clicking "send funds" The user I purchased it from is "tsafur" He sent me tracking info yesterday via USPS. The status is still at Pre-shipment info received.

Projectguy: I am such a noob with this stuff still, I don't quite understand what you mean by one slip of the hand could ruin it, as well as anodizing the threads? It has me a bit worried. I do appreciate your help!

As for the condition of the unit, I was told it is brand new. In regards to cobalts having certain issues, the seller told me this

"absolutely no issues with mine. it has the fix done on it. Zen originally powdercoated the spring post. It was professionally removed, not sanded off, so it works perfectly. also has the brass scew replacement to make it hit harder than stock SS screw"

This all basically sounds foreign to me. I need to see one in person and said parts to get an idea of what's being said. As mentioned, I trust the seller as much as I possibly could being an online classifieds section. The ratings are all positive.

Looking forward to using this bad boy, though... feeling slightly apprehensive and impatient.