Some buyers have legitimte concerns about buying Vespas from Viet Nam.  I would be, too, as these scooters usually sell from about US $2000 to more than US $3000, depending on the model.   I, too, would be cautious as this is a sizable sum.  There are comments in the buying guide and on listings warning you against buying Vespas from Viet Nam, and why not; they are the competition, and many got theirs from Viet Nam.  I would be suspect of overblown horror stories of bad bondo and pitiful paint jobs, of thousands of dollars in repairs, and accidents caused by seized engines - Stephen King should be so good.  I had a seized engine once on my BSA in the late '60s; I rolled to a stop. 

I am a seller of classic Vespas from Viet Nam and I want this guide to help you consider some things when buying a Vespa from anyone, anywhere. 

I feel sorry for buyers who have successfully won a vintage Vespa or Lambretta, but were betrayed and duped by a seller, whether is was from Asia or stateside.

As a seller, I frequently look at the scooters offered on eBay.  A few are frightening and I would steer clear.  Many, I see, are quite possibly of a very good quality.

I look at the Vespa listings my competitors offer from Viet Nam.  I can honestly state that the few of them who have been in the business much longer than I do sell good, high quality Vepsas and they stand behind their work and they have a good track record.  They have good business ethics.  If you monitor the Vespa listings, you'll quickly find out who they are.

I, too, hold myself to a high standard of ethical behavior in business.  My competitors and I are in the business for the long run.  It doesn't do us any good to sell scooters that fall apart after reaching their destination.  It doesn't do us good if the buyer isn't satisfied.   A poor reputation will kill our business and livelihood because it's reflected in the feedbacks.

The bidder should be able to know with whom they are doing business.  Look to see if the seller has a blue and red ME behind their screen ID.  Besides feedback, this is an additional resource, even though it is subjective.  Does the seller put his/her own name in the biography?  Is there a contact number, email address, photo or other identifying information.  If so, your confidence should be boosted a little as the seller has put himself/herself out there for the eBay community to see.

I'm a retired policeman and skeptical about things.  I look for evidence in photos and statements as part of my being cautious.  Here's a few tips:

• Do the photos of the scooter match the location where it claims the item is?  Some I've seen had photos taken in Saigon, as seen in the background and reflections on the paint, but the listing stated the Vespa was in the states.  "Allow 4 weeks for delivery" should be a concern.
• Are shipping charges realistic? Does it cost more to ship domestically than internationally? 
• Does the seller claim to use genuine Italian parts? Those would be expensive and deserve a high reserve or "Buy It Now" price.
• What is the seller's rating?
• Are VIN numbers provided.  They can be referenced and the exact year of the engine and frame manufacture can be known.  The two numbers don't have to match.

I urge bidders to be cautious and ask very clear questions of the sellers.  You should receive very clear and relevant answers.  If you receive vague or ambiguous replies, or get an answer to a question the seller wish you had asked, then avoid that item.

Just like you, I want the eBay experience to be fun, enjoyable and financially rewarding.  I also want the eBay experience to be safe for the entire community.

In defense of Vietnamese mechanics and bodyshop workers; I live here in Saigon and I work with them and I have a high regard for them.  I'm sure my competitors do, as well, or they wouldn't be in the business.

You should keep in mind that these classic Vespas, Lambrettas and Cushmans, in various forms, have been plying the Vietnamese roads and working hard since the late 40s/early 50s and they are still running strong!  It's the Vietnamese who have been keeping them running and working for over half a century.  They should be admired for their dedication and skills.

As another writer in these guides stated, "the scooters from Viet Nam are worked everyday; they're not status symbols."

Remember, though, like a person who is 50 years old, some maintenance and doting is required for the relationship.  Remember, too, these scooters are used EVERYDAY in Viet Nam.  Many of my friends and I ride them everyday without any problems - and they're fun.

In closing, I want you to be safe, investigate the seller and buy with confidence from a seller you can feel some trust.  Not all sellers are out to cheat you or pull a scam for a quick buck.  For us in Viet Nam, it's not in our best interest. Ride responsibly, wear a helmet and don't drive after consuming alcoholic beverages.