What is the safest way send a mobile phone on ebay please? Thank you

TigerLillie

A friend has asked me to sell a mobile phone on EBay for them but I am a little worried about avoiding scams and sending as securely as possible???

I was thinking of sending special delivery but I seem to remember seeing on here that Royal Mail does not cover mobile phones???

I would appreciate any advice please? Thank you

Heavenly

I can't see anything on RM that says they don't cover mobiles other than for International post so make sure you state UK only and by Special Delivery.

You'll find info here on how to avoid getting scammed: http://pages.ebay.co.uk/buy/guides/mobile-phone-advice/ Make sure you get clear photos of under the battery with the phones details etc.

soolin

Exactly as Heavenly says. Set your seller rpeferences as tight as you can, you might even want to restrict newer users who do not have a card registered on ebay. NO overseas bidders and special delivery only.

It never hurts to put a small note on the auction to say you are aware of the 419 scam and will not ship overseas.

Lastly, I would seriously reconsider selling anything for a friend, believe me it never works out well and if you value their friendship you will refuse.

Premier_2

soolin wrote: »

...Lastly, I would seriously reconsider selling anything for a friend, believe me it never works out well and if you value their friendship you will refuse.

Totally agree.

If they are a good friend, take time to show them just how easy it is for them to set up their own account on ebay and paypal so they can sell it themselves.

cyberbob

If you are a lowish feedback seller (under 100) you will find when selling mobiles that towards the end you normally get quite a few messages asking for BIN or shipping to Nigeria. You normally also get a lot of sellers (using buying accounts) trying it on for BIN.

Selling for a friend is never good. If something goes wrong you are liable and your ebay account could be effected. If you are going to do it and possibly risk your account I would personally ask for a % of the end price. Its you that is taking all the risks so you should get something from it.

frivolous_fay

I chickened out of selling my original iphone on ebay.
I got a great price from CEX - arguably more than it would have sold for on ebay, even if I'd achieved the highest possible price.
For the peace of mind, it was totally worth it... and the cash helped sweeten the deal

cyberbob

frivolous_fay wrote: »

I chickened out of selling my original iphone on ebay.

I've sold quite a few mobiles on ebay (personal account) All my ex contract ones. Ive never had much problems as long as your preferences are tight enough and you take some basic precautions. I have found it fine. Actually I have my wifes old phone to put on at the weekend. I have always got better prices than if I had sold them any other way

kyasarin

I sold a Blackberry a few weeks ago and everthing went fine (so far!).
Was aware of the 419 scam, thanks to MSE! :T And i had my preferences set really tight to exclude bidders from counties i don't ship. I also mentioned in my listing that i would only send to the Paypal verified UK address.
Posted special delivery.
I was selling in the auction format but had at least one message a day asking for a BIN price!

frivolous_fay

cyberbob wrote: »

I've sold quite a few mobiles on ebay (personal account) All my ex contract ones. Ive never had much problems as long as your preferences are tight enough and you take some basic precautions. I have found it fine. Actually I have my wifes old phone to put on at the weekend. I have always got better prices than if I had sold them any other way

The initial sale might go ok, but I couldn't get comfy with the idea of selling an 18 month old phone without a niggling feeling that the buyer would find a fault with it and send it back!

At least with CEX they check it over and you know it's gone forever

Jordii

I sold my old phone on amazon as it was a fixed price, and I got £80 for it. Sent it special and there has been no problems.

pinkshoes

I would suggest putting your own simcard in for a day and using the phone, so you are 100% sure that it works properly.

Make a note of all numbers under the battery, and if possible, use one of those UV pens to mark something on it, so you know it's the same phone if it gets returned.

Describe the phone very clearly, stating any tiny scratches or dents in it. Photos of the "damage" if possible.