Buyer Beware

Considering, we arent allowed to post names or logs and other things of that sort. I would really like to send out a message to all the players - old and new, something we can all benefit from. And that is Buyer Beware.

Its an old adage; if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. I'm not a burn cyncist or anything of that sort. Nor is this an attempt to flame out of revenge to be taken for a ride.. I'm simply trying to inform the general public.

When buying and selling - especially when dealing with In-Game Big Wigs - Always do the math. There's certain people - by false advertisement, will claim that they can get you a deal on a sim. Instead.. they are playing a game of middle man. ALWAYS DO THE MATH.

If someone claims that they can rent you out a sim to own, at USD $300, DO THE MATH. at the end of a 14 month period, you wil lhave spent over 4k on a sim.. If you buy direct from teh Lindens, you will pay just over USD $3500. Why would you want to spend USD $ 400 extra?

ALWAYS DO THE MATH.. Dont rely on big shot reputations.. and the lure of association.

Rye

pls dont let this drop until ppl have had a chance to read.

ummm perhaps someone cant come up with 1k up front for the land and this helps them do it over time....just because you don't like it doesn't make this a BAD thing....someone has developed a service that others need or want and yes they should get payed for it.

If you don't like it don't use it but don't knock the people offering it just because you think they are wrong.

Im not knocking it.. Im saying DO THE MATH. Simple as that.. if someone likes the concept more.. good for them.. but theres nothing wrong with sharing information and advice..

I dunno why such an obvious point must be made, but okay.

Oh, and:

Hmmm, I know exactly who you are talking about, but if you take the time to read some of the past forum postings, you will see that the person in question gave a full explanation and disclosure on how the deal works.

I think it may be similar to buying on credit?

If you go out and buy a car on credit for $10,000 you will end up paying maybe $12,000

If you do not want to pay the additional $2000, you pay $10,000 cash

Same with those sims. The person in question is providing a service, using his cash up front and assuming a risk. He should expect a return on his investment.

I would definitely hope that someone that is considering getting a full sim, would take a minute to consider all the facts, even if buying directly from LL.

Sorry, but the tone of your message made it sound to me, and might to others as if the person in question was trying to rip people off, and unless you have proof to the contrary...

Tito

I agree, do the math, no matter how Big the Wig.

Sure, it's like paying a credit card company for a loan. I don't know how tier fits into these prices, either.

It might be a good deal if it spreads over time and makes sense to you to add in that fee as you would with a credit card.

On the other hand...do the math.

And we need a Better Business Bureau in SL. We can do that when it is made clear whether in-game notecards putting the names of persons charged and investigated for fraudulent business practices are not considered a TOS violation.

Thank you.. But again, Im not angry.. cuz i was never taken for a ride.. i have about 1k in Linden.. im not going anywhere with that fast..

Im not flaming anyone.. it was just some advise.. i do appreciate the feedback.. and sure there were explanations.. but when i read something on a website.. and then talk to the person about it.. all of a sudden it doesnt sound anythinglike the deal on the website.. go figure..

I know the deal your referring to and I talked to the person in-depth over a 3 day period (very patient person) and I was never confused or mislead on what exactly was going on, what the deal was, and how it added up.

In fact, he went over the numbers for me, told me straight-up how much he would be making and even gave me alternate options to look at. Lilke others have posted, it is not different then getting a loan for a personal computer, car, house, real land... whatever the need to borrow money from a backer to be paid off over time.

$300 x 14 = $4,200
$980(sim) + ($195 x 14) = $3,710
Difference of: $490

In that though he, at least told me, would pay for the transfer of the sim to you at the end of the "Rent-to-own" agreement which is $150.

$490 - $150 = $340

So he is only making $340 on the deal. He is also taking a big chance that you will keep the server for at least 10 months to break even with the server start up cost.

In anycase, I was never confused about the deal in anyway shape or form. He was very straightforward, upfront, and willing to answer all questions I had.

What if it turns out you don't want to keep the sim after a month?

Then you're out 1200 K instead of 300$

Boy. Maybe *you* should do the math.

It's better than a loan! You don't have to keep paying.