Anybody used these prop makers before?

[CL44]

Hi all, I'm planning a cosplay and want to get some 3D printed props from a group I found on facebook. They say they only take western Union payments, and it seems a bit off. So I'm just looking for some guidance.

This is the group: https://www.facebook.com/Cosplay-Props-211528388868993/

Please let me know if you've used this service or seen them used.

 

[Moviefreak]

Never..... and I repeat... NEVER... pay via Western Union, especially if you know nothing about a company. If you have heard of them, and they have a stellar reputation, that is one thing, but I don't think I would even pay via WU at that time. There is just no protection. Any legit company with good intentions will accept alternate sources of payment and especially a form of payment that makes the buyer feel comfortable.

 

[CL44]

That's what I thought. Their props seem good, but could easily just be them taking credit for other people's work. I'm just really out of options having already lost 2 prop makers before this one. Desperate times and all.

 

[Moviefreak]

Maybe contact them and explain that you just need to protect yourself. Maybe they will accept Paypal from you just to ease your worries. There doesn't seem to be any trashing of their name online or on their page, so maybe they are legit, but having protection to file a claim means the world. So ask... they might just accommodate you.

 

[CL44]

I did ask and they said that their PayPal doesn't work because of a "business thing". That's what really threw me.

 

[Moviefreak]

I did ask and they said that their PayPal doesn't work because of a "business thing". That's what really threw me.

So they just proved they do have Paypal. It does sound fishy, but I am shocked that with 10,000 people liking their page, that there isn't one bad word about them online or in comments somewhere. I would just err on the side of caution and do not pay with Western Union. I know it sucks to see something you want... but would suck a whole lot more to not have an item OR the money you sent them. Good luck finding it elsewhere.

 

[CL44]

Yeah, I'm looking elsewhere, it's just hard to find stuff on a budget and all that. I did wonder if the account had bought likes at one point, but they may well be legitimate.

 

[AssCred]

Never..... and I repeat... NEVER... pay via Western Union, especially if you know nothing about a company. If you have heard of them, and they have a stellar reputation, that is one thing, but I don't think I would even pay via WU at that time. There is just no protection. Any legit company with good intentions will accept alternate sources of payment and especially a form of payment that makes the buyer feel comfortable.

This should be highlighted. I wouldn't use Western Union for anyone, established or not. They might just decide then to change their tactics and rip you off because they can using that.

A good rule of thumb online is "Anything you see WU as the one of the only payment options for, red flag, avoid, etc" Train yourself to do it.

 

[Uridium]

The 'oh our PayPal' isn't working' sounds a bit fishy to me. You could message them and say you have business for them, but will wait till their PayPal is fixed. Ask them to message you when they are in a situation to accept money that way.

Also 'likes' on facebook can simply be (and is most likely to be) someone saw a cool picture.... that in no way = someone who used their service and got good results.
(i'm sure everyone here knows this already... )

EDIT: after poking around their pages, they look like they do some good work and have been around for a while. Based in the Philippines, so delivery may be annoying depending on where you are based. Still, they need a more reliable payment method.