I hate to be cynical about this, but is it me or does something(s) about this raise flags?
I've never had someone offer up to overnight me payment. It's generally I'll put the check in the mail thing, if that's how they are paying.
The whole "shipper" thing also throws me off, though I've dealt with people who have shipping accounts.
The "Dear Artist" throws me off too, since my name is on my website (I received this via the Contact Form on my website)

Dear Artist ,
How are you today . My name is Mrs _____ from Green Village,Colorado . I read about your Artworks on the internet and i would like to know if you have an artworks within the range of 1500-2500$ . Also,myself and my husband wants to attends Artworks exhibition, so we will like to know if you have any upcoming exhibition with the States . Looking forward to read from you .

Yours faithfully,
Mrs _____

My reply:
Dear Mrs. _____,
Thank you for contacting me.
I do not have any pieces currently in the $1500-2500 range. I have one available close to that at $1250.

(I included a pic of the piece)

At the moment I do not have any planned ehxibitions but I will be setting some up in the new year and would be happy to keep you informed on those.
John G.


Her response:
Thank you very much for this email including the picture of the painting . I showed it to my husband and we really fell in love with with . We want you to consider it bought . We will be arranging the pick up through our shipper for proper handling to our hand .

I want you to send your name and address and you can have the check tomorrow by God's grace . We want this painting to be in our home before our anniversary in some days to come .

Regarding the exhibition , please keep us informed when the time comes . We hope we can be one of your admirers .

Cheers,
Mrs _____

I don't want to seem naive, but it's different from any scam emails I've ever personally received.
How do I determine for sure (without getting burned) that it is indeed a scam?
Does anyone here have a business website and received something like it?
I don't want to scare a potential client off (especially one that could afford paintings in that range) on the off chance that it's a legit inquiry but I also don't want to fall into an internet scam.
What if I say Paypal only and see what happens? :think:
Can I get screwed that way?

well, if they are offering a check, can you deposit it and see if it clears? then you've been paid, and could send off the art.

They could also wire the money/paypal like you said.

ufoclub said:

I never ship or release artwork until payment has cleared unless I know the person as a friend or they are a long time collector.

" by God's grace "

Lines like this always seem to be involved in email scams it seems.

I'd tell them to send a cheque to a mailbox or pay via paypal. If they are serious, they'll do that.

JustErin said:

You mean like a PO Box right?
In the past folk have sent checks directly to my studio, which is same as my home address. I'm hesitant in this case.
I think I'm gonna have to get a P.O. Box for my studio.

JustErin said:

That phrase always sets off alarms. I'd give them a P.O. Box or use paypal.

JustErin said:

Also, the seemingly strange typos such as "I showed it to my husband and we really fell in love with with ."

The whole thing reads like it was run through a language translator like Babelfish, as many scam emails do.

On the other hand, you don't want to discriminate against a potential buyer just because English may not be her first language. Tough call.

I'd take the advice above and tell them PayPal only. I'd be wary of checks. There are tons of scams that involve you depositing a check into your bank account, and before you know it you're being charged monthly amounts for some nonexistent service, or under arrest for participating in some fraud scam.

johnart said:

I would set one up for sure.

The way it is all worded, spells scam to me. It's almost worded as poorly as one of those e-mails you get from overseas, telling you that they have won the lottery but need cash up front to claim it, and want to give you a break and go half and half with you.
I'd be careful.

PunkMistress said:

This is the thing that's been making me

My instinct tells me scam, but I don't want to be overly-cynical and blow off someone for the very reasons you stated.

The second part of your post is making me consider taking out the check option on my online shop and do Paypal only. And just accept checks from folk who are friends/collectors I know.

johnart said:

I think that's a very smart way to go.

johnart said:

Good idea.

Agreed to every point everyone has made here so far. Paypal, P.O. Box, or bust.

Thanks guys!

I will be setting up a PO Box, because I'll need one anyway for a business I plan on launching in the next few months. The business will include art but be about much more...more to come on this later...

I will reply to this "inquiry" telling them Paypal only, just, again, on the off chance...

Ottensen said:

I know the Nigerian Scams are handled from far away, but I keep havin visions of me giving the address and Ding! Dong! 12 Nigerians (or any nationality) at my door tomorrow.

johnart said:

ohmagoodness

johnart said:

Fingers crossed that they're legit...

johnart said:

Oh well shit, you beat my orgnote. You're good to go,then

Ottensen said:

Your orgnote.

PunkMistress said:

Me too. I'd love to make a $1200 sale right now, but would love even more to keep out of a scam.

Response:
please we can process by check only

BUH-BYE!

are you trying to rip those nice people off, John???

roodboi said:

Please send me your bank account # as soon as possible for an answer.

johnart said:

can I atleast get an email of the painting first....

then I can just copy it and blow it up....you know, eliminate the middle man...

roodboi said:

Heeeeelarious.
[Edited 9/28/09 12:47pm]

johnart said:

Aw, damn.

No sale, that sucks. But at least you know your instincts were right and you're not gonna get suckered.

PunkMistress said:

poor John...

Send them an invoice via Paypal so they can pay by credit card... beats losin' a sale and I always roll the 3.9% fee into the purchase price...

worth a shot...

Well I cant wait to buy another and I am no fake..... If the economy would just let up