Protecting myself - buyers collecting items and send abroad.

ClaireLR

Hi all

I have read a few threads on here about people having problems with items being sent abroad and also people collecting items that they have won.

My items are due to end on Friday and I was wondering what steps I can take to protect myself should a buyer wish to collect. If they pay by cash I can't see any problems (?) same with postal order. What do I do if they want to pay by cheque, do I take it that it would be best to refuse cheques if collecting? And of course if they pay by Paypal what can I do - I've read about people collecting the item and then starting a dispute saying they haven't received it - which of course then Paypal refund them their money - how can I prevent this from happening?

Also if anyone wins from abroad, is there anything I can do other than sending items by international signed for? I have never sent anything abroad before now so really not sure what to do!

I'd be really grateful for any advice, thanks

Awec

If they are collecting and paying by cash that's great for you. Handier, and you dodge some paypal fees.

If they're paying by paypal, you have the problem of them taking the item, and then opening a dispute saying they didn't get it.

I wouldn't accept a cheque. Can't be bothered with that rubbish any more.

Guccigirl

I presume you have allowed bidders from abroad? I don't allow that as I am a personal seller and to be honest can't be bothered with the hassle/potential scams. You can block buyers from abroad from bidding if you wish.

In your listings of items to sell what payment options have you set? I only ever do Paypal or Cash on Collection (though on a few occasions I have had people ask if Postal Order okay and I have cashed it prior to posting item). If you have not offered cheque as being acceptable in your ad then no-one should pay via cheque (though you can get a few messing you about after the sale though I never have to date).

When offering any items that I am happy for people to collect, when making arrangements for pick up after item sale ended, contact is made via e-bay e-mail and I always ask how they are intending to pay. If they say Paypal I arrange for collection after money has cleared and if cash then that's straight forward. Never allowed anything else.

If you allow for a cheque (via post or pick up) always insist on it clearing prior to letting buyer have item (may be cancelled, may bounce or may not even be theirs to issue). Honest buyers will understand your being cautious.

chja

If you are sending abroad (and in my experience there is no problem in doing so), just get the standard Post Office proof of posting, which includes insurance up to £36. If you item is worth more than that, as your Post Office for the best product.

If you have not quoted an international postage rate, then you will need to amend the invoice that you send your overseas buyer. The postage cost can easily be obtained from the Royal Mail website (or I just double the UK price I have quoted).

I've sent loads of stuff to EC Europe (including Spain, Italy, France & Germany) and the US and never had a problem. I've yet to send anything to Asia, but I understand that many on here have sucessfully sold to Australia.

With regards to collection, it's hard to do better than cash. Don't accept a cheque - if there is a problem then you will never get it resolved. If the buyer has the money in their bank account, then they will have no issue with withdrawing it and giving you cash.

soolin

Firstly can I suggest you read this post, it seems that even established sellers have some wrong ideas about safety and how paypal works and the new rules on ebay:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1623183&highlight=new+sellers

You can't refuse paypal if offered and if a collected item is paid for by paypal then yes you run risks and it makes no difference whether you clear funds before hand or not, a paypal chargeback can always be done for non receipt.

Also if you are worried about overseas buyers might it have been best to exclude them from bidding? International signed for is also not available to all countries, so you need to be prepared for that.