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Getting Money To America

Shortfatdyke

15:07 / 09.02.03

A bit of a plea for help, really: I've seen a book - totally impossible to find just about anywhere - on eBay. I've been after it for nearly 15 years, it's that hard to find. Problem is, the seller is in the US and won't accept anything other than cash from non US buyers. I assume that means using some kind of registered post, rather than just writing a cheque and it sounds like it's going to be awfully expensive. There's only a few hours left until the auction ends and I want this book so much!!. Please, someone tell me how easy it actually is to get money to the US.

that

15:19 / 09.02.03

What book is it?

Easiest way would probably be to get someone in America to buy it for you... That's what I'd do, if you have any US-based friends who won't mind you taking a slight liberty. In return, send 'em something they can't easily get over there (Gauloise ciggies are a favourite with one of my US friends).

that

15:21 / 09.02.03

But isn't that what Moneygrams are for?

that

15:24 / 09.02.03

I believe you can send a Moneygram from your local Post Office.

Persephone

16:46 / 09.02.03

Am I too late? Did you win the book? I'll send the money for you, if that's what you need.

Ganesh

17:01 / 09.02.03

I had incredible problems getting a Moneygram from the Post Office, and would recommend you find an American Express office and purchase an International Money Order instead. They're comparitively expensive (cost an extra 10% or so) but, other than credit card or Paypal, seem to be the quickest, most straightforward way to do it.

Shortfatdyke

17:08 / 09.02.03

Problem is, the seller won't take anything other than cash from anyone not based in the US, so a IMO or anything sensible like that is no go.

In fact I've just found out there's another problem; my sister has just bid on the book for herself. As in, without even thinking that could be a out of line. I am miffed. I mean, really miffed. As I said, I've been after this book for a long, long time.

I wasn't going to mention the title, basically because I knew Stoatie would be after it! But since it looks as if I've been done over by my own flesh and blood, then I may as well tell you lot - it's They Call Him Mr Gacy. It's a collection of letters to John Wayne Gacy, and I'm fascinated as to what kind of people would send letters to a psycho clown.

grant

17:19 / 09.02.03

I'll buy it for you. And if you're very nice, I'll send you a copy of a cassette of a teenage boy interviewing Gacy on the phone on death row.
(Did an interview with the guy - Jason Moss, wrote The Final Victim based on his teenaged uh hobby.)

Shortfatdyke

17:30 / 09.02.03

Thanks Persephone and grant - very kind of you, but as you can see, my sister has rather messed this up. She will have bid more than I get in a month....

grant

14:58 / 10.02.03

The cassette offer still stands. I've used samples from it in songs before.

Shortfatdyke

15:09 / 10.02.03

Wow. Yes, I'd love (if that's the right word here) a copy of the tape, although it will be horrible to hear it. We'll PM details, huh? Thank you. And I'll tape anything from my humble collection that you'd like.

Spatula Clarke

16:49 / 10.02.03

Just out of interest, SFD, did you contact the seller privately to see if any alternative arrangement could be made? It's generally been my experience that what gets put up on the auction pages is always subject to change through personal communication.

Cosmicjamas

20:21 / 10.02.03

I guess you checked Amazon.com? One of the traders on there has it for $100 and ships internationally. Maybe that's too pricey but the next trader down wants $599 for it!!! I hope you get a copy. I hope you enjoy it. I know what its like to want a book so-o-o b-a-a-d...for years I've been looking for the third part of the trilogy by William S Burroughs Jr, all online resources only quote there being two books, Speed and Kentucky Ham. But there is a third, just the name escapes me at the moment. Any 'Liths remember what it is?

rakehell

21:27 / 10.02.03

I know it may be too late, but to answer your original question.

I've bought loads of stuff from the US and the UK and a lot of it for cash. You photocopy nothing with the lid of the copier open. This creates a (near)completely opaque, black piece of paper. You fold the cash in that and away you go.

I wouldn't do it for a stack of cash, but I've done it for $100 US and that went okay.

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